‘Lost an icon’: Jack Karlson, the man behind the ‘democracy manifest’ arrest, has died

The man behind the iconic ‘succulent Chinese meal’ arrest has died a week after his 82nd birthday, with his family breaking their silence.

The family of the man behind the iconic “democracy manifest” clip have broken their silence after he died following a cancer battle.

Jack Karlson has died a week after his 82nd birthday, with his family confirming he was battling many health conditions including systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS).

Mr Karlson became famous among Australian households after footage of his 1991 arrest outside the China Sea Restaurant in Brisbane went viral.

Jack Karlson, the man behind the ‘democracy manifest’ arrest, has died. Picture: 7NEWS

Jack Karlson went viral for his arrest outside the China Sea Restaurant in 1991, where he famously said “This is democracy manifest”. Picture: 7NEWS

Mr Karlson was having lunch with a friend when he was arrested and escorted out of the Chinese restaurant, but his response has since been set in stone as an iconic Australian meme.

“Gentlemen, this is democracy manifest,” he said during the arrest.

“Have a look at the headlock here. See that chap over there?”

“Get your hand off my penis! Get your hand off my penis! This is the bloke who got me on the penis before.

“Why did you do this to me? For what reason? What is the charge? Eating a meal? A succulent Chinese meal?”

Mr Karlson maintained throughout his life that he wasn’t the man police were searching for.

The Karlson family confirmed he died on Wednesday surrounded by family.

“He walked a full and colourful path and despite the troubles thrown at him, he lived by his motto – to keep on laughing,” the family said in a statement.

“Jack leaves daughter Heidi, his son Erik, his nieces Kim, Kelly and Kerry, and nephew Karl, grandchildren Terri-Lace and Nec and many grand nieces and nephews behind, along with countless others whose lives he touched. He will be sorely missed.”

His niece, Kim Edwards, revealed Mr Karlson had just turned 82 last week, and had spent the last few weeks of his life in hospital.

“He had a few attempts to escape and pulled his cords out a couple of times and asked us many time to sneak in his pipe,” she said.

“He was battling many ailments but what got him in the end was SIRS.”

A fundraiser had previously been set up for Mr Karlson in June after he was diagnosed with prostate cancer and needed surgery for cataracts, and has so far generated more than $8,500 in funds.

“He was very thankful for the positive response to his Go Fund Me and everyone who donated,” Ms Edwards said.

“This money will now go towards his funeral. As a final send off we gave Uncle a last taste of red wine through his drip just before it was removed. We are still deciding what we want to do in regards to the funeral. We will post updates on the GoFundMe page.” 

A fundraiser had been set up for Mr Karlson by his niece in June after he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Picture: GoFundMe

Ms Edwards previously wrote in the fundraiser that she hoped people could “dig deep” to support her uncle.

“I know Jack’s video has given a lot of people joy and he has inspired many memes, t-shirts and other things over the years but Jack himself is doing it quite tough,” his niece wrote on the fundraiser.

“He has never had much money but has always been generous to family and friends. He lives week to week in regional QLD with the help of a voluntary carer.

“Hoping people can dig deep – I think he’s worth at least a beer, maybe even a 6-pack.”

Last week his niece said Mr Karlson wasn’t doing well in an update to the fundraiser.

“He has been in Hospital for two weeks now,” she wrote.

“He has had multiple procedures but things are not looking good.

“One thing that did lift his spirits was that the GoFundMe was taking off. He has been really appreciative of the donations and the comments.”

A documentary about Mr Karlson, The Man who Ate a Succulent Chinese Meal, is set for release in 2025.

Director Heath Davis said the team are “heartbroken” with the news of Mr Karlson’s death, calling him an “icon”.

“Jack lived a life unlike any other. In fact, he’s such a larger than life figure who’s survived such adversity it’s hard to believe he’s left us,” he said.

“Jack’s inherent ability to always see the bright side of life despite the insurmountable hardship is something I’ll carry forward with me in my own life.

“There really is only one Jack Karlson and he truly was Australia’s last larrikin.”

The Man who Ate a Succulent Chinese Meal Director Heath Davis said Australia has “lost an icon” following Mr Karlson’s death. Picture: 7NEWS

Mr Davis added Australia has “lost an icon today”.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to his beloved family today especially his daughter Heidi, niece Kim and nephew Karl,” he said.

“Jack’s spark will forever live on much like his infamous viral video.

“I’ll be having a beer and a succulent Chinese meal in his honour tonight. You can finally rest in peace, mate.“

Telling Mr Karlson’s story was an “honour and privilege”, with Mr Davis confirming the team remains committed to bringing the documentary to the big screen.

“Collaborating with Jack has been one of the most rewarding and fascinating creative journey’s to date,” he said.

Outside of the famous arrest, Mr Karlson was known for several prison escapes throughout his life.

Mr Karlson told ABC’s Earshot how he had escaped from Boggo Road Gaol in 1996 by jumping off a train on the way to a court hearing for breaking, entering and stealing.

He added on a separate occasion he had walked out of his court cell and impersonated a detective after he was arrested in a stolen car in Parramatta.