Last Updated:
Australian MP Bob Katter stirred a controversy by threatening a journalist after he mentioned his Lebanese heritage during a press conference.
Australian MP Bob Katter also called the reporter a “racist” during the press conference. (Image: X and Reuters)
Australian MP Bob Katter has landed in a controversy after he raised a fist at a journalist who mentioned his Lebanese heritage during a press conference.
The 80-year-old independent MP for Kennedy had called the presser to voice for an upcoming anti-immigration rally outside Queensland’s state parliament.
Recommended Stories
The lawmaker, holding an Australian flag, demanded the deportation of individuals he claimed showed “anti-Australian sentiments” at pro-Palestine protests.
A Katter’s Australian Party press conference was derailed this morning after Bob Katter threatened a journalist when asked about his Lebanese heritage.The dramatic scenes unfolded outside Parliament House in Brisbane as the KAP MPs addressed the media calling for the… pic.twitter.com/IdLQKZrHL6
— 10 News Queensland (@10NewsQLD) August 28, 2025
In a viral video, he stated, “If you have anti-Australian sentiments, then get the hell out of my country, because we are taking the names down now of anyone who treats our flag badly. The gloves are coming right off now.”
The presser took a dramatic turn after Channel 9 Queensland reporter Josh Bavas mentioned Katter’s Lebanese heritage. In response, Katter interrupted sharply, raising his fist, and said, “Don’t say that! Because that irritates me, and I’ve punched blokes in the mouth for saying that.”
He then accused the reporter of being a “racist” and questioning his identity as an Australian. “You’re a racist. You cannot say what you just said without being identified as a racist. My family have been in this country for 140 years,” he said.
According to a report in The Guardian, Channel 9’s parent company, Nine Entertainment, is contemplating legal action against the parliamentarian and has demanded an apology.
This is not the first times that Katter has triggered a controversy. Previously in 2017, he hit the headlines for dismissing questions on same-sex marriage, instead claiming that “every three months, a person is torn to pieces by a crocodile in north Queensland.”
About the Author
Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com’s general desk. She comes with an experience of over 5 years in media industry. She covers politics and other hard news. She can be contacted at Manisha.Roy@nw18…Read More
Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com’s general desk. She comes with an experience of over 5 years in media industry. She covers politics and other hard news. She can be contacted at Manisha.Roy@nw18… Read More
- Location :
Australia
Loading comments…
Read More
 "US court halts Trump’s sweeping expansion of fast-track deportations")
