Friendlyjordies’ Bondi home targeted in suspected arson

The Bondi home of popular YouTuber Friendlyjordies has been targeted in a suspected arson attack overnight.

The Bondi home of popular political YouTuber Friendlyjordies has been targeted in a suspected arson attack overnight, NSW Police have confirmed.

Emergency services were called to the home on Wilga Street in Bondi at around 12.20am on Wednesday following reports of a fire.

Police and fire crews arrived to find the veranda of the house well alight.

“The house, while occupied, was vacant at the time of the fire,” NSW Police said in a statement.

“Adjoining houses were cleared by police as a precaution and there were no reports of injuries. The fire was extinguished with significant damage caused to the home and an adjoining property.”

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Police and fire crews were called to the address overnight. Picture: OnScene Bondi

The blaze caused significant damage. Picture: OnScene Bondi

A fire was reported at the same house last week. Picture: OnScene Bondi

Neighbours were evacuated. Picture: OnScene Bondi

Local news website OnSceneBondi first reported that Jordan Shanks, aka Friendlyjordies, lives at the back of the property but was not home at the time.

Two elderly residents escaped the main property and another three neighbours evacuated their home next door, according to reports.

“Police have established a crime scene and the fire area will be subject of an examination by specialist officers,” NSW Police said.

“Officers are investigating possible links to a fire at the same house reported last week, on Thursday November 17, 2022. Anyone with information that might assist police with their investigation is asked to contact Eastern Suburbs Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.”

Shanks has been contacted for comment.

His law firm, Xenophon Davis, issued a statement on Twitter.

“We confirm that Jordan Shanks’ home was firebombed last night,” it said.

“He is safe. We hope that every possible police resource is dedicated today to securing evidence and intel. It might even warrant a Strike Force focused upon terrorism and attempted homicide rather than dangerous jokes.”

Jordan Shanks aka Friendlyjordies. Source: YouTube

Police are investigating the suspected arson. Picture: OnScene Bondi

The home and a neighbouring property were significantly damaged. Picture: OnScene Bondi

Forensic crews at the house on Wednesday. Picture: David Swift/NCA NewsWire

In June this year, Google was ordered to pay former NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro $715,000 in defamation damages over two YouTube videos published by Shanks.

Shanks earlier settled a defamation case in November last year over the videos, which Mr Barilaro claimed painted him as a “corrupt conman”.

As part of the settlement, Shanks paid court costs of $100,000 and issued an apology to Mr Barilaro. The settlement did not involve the payment of any damages, though Shanks did agree to edit the videos.

Mr Barilaro then sued Google, the owner of YouTube, in the Federal Court for refusing to take down online videos he claimed were “vulgar”, “offensive” and ultimately defamed him.

“I’m happy that on the record now it’s clear that Google allowed this to happen and I had been defamed,” Mr Barilaro said outside court after the decision.

“It was a campaign of abuse, especially online, and the racist slurs and the intrusion into my life and my home and my family is something that I think has now been cleared and I am vindicated.”