Conspiracy theorist admits to ‘offensive’ calls to 2GB’s Ben Fordham

A conspiracy theorist who made “offensive” phone calls to radio host Ben Fordham has given a bizarre reason in court.

A conspiracy theorist and self-styled political “free thinker” who believes McDonald’s uses baby meat has admitted to harassing 2GB host Ben Fordham.

David Michael Graham, 62, pleaded guilty at Downing Centre Local Court on Wednesday to a single charge of using a carriage service to menace, harass or offend.

The online commentator, who goes by the name “Guru”, described the “offensive” phone calls to the radio station as being an attempt at getting a “right of reply”.

David Michael Graham pleaded guilty to using a carriage to menace or harass. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gaye Gerard

Graham said he called 2GB for a ‘right to reply’ from host Ben Fordham. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gaye Gerard

“I’m a journalist. I have a media show I do on news. I was just looking for a right of reply. That is all, Your Honour,” Graham told magistrate Brett Shields.
Mr Shields told the Wollongong man that while it may have been his right to ask for a right of reply for “something said … You cannot go further and cross the line”.

“It seems clear on the facts that you crossed the line into menacing or harassing behaviour. Whether the other person wants to interview is entirely a matter for him,” he said.

“You asked, he said no. That should have been the end of it … All I would say to you is you’re entitled to your views and express them, but you cannot go that extra step.”

Graham is a self-described free thinker who goes by the name ‘Guru’. Picture: Supplied

Graham was due to face a hearing on Wednesday on two charges of stalking and intimidation but, after 11th-hour negotiations with police, pleaded to the single charge.

Mr Shields sentenced Graham to a 12-month Commonwealth recognisance order, essentially a “conditional suspended sentence”, and a fine of $2000.

Graham, 62, is host of podcast “Stop the rot, sack the lot”, where he voices conspiracy theorist views, including Covid-scepticism and anti-government action.

Days before his court appearance, Graham took aim at Wollongong MP Paul Scully over laws around people living in caravans, stating he should “come chat with Guru”.