Jack Karlson, the man behind one of Australia’s most iconic viral memes, has died at the age of 82. Originally arrested in 1991 for credit card fraud, Karlson gained international fame in 2009 after footage of his dramatic encounter with Queensland police outside a Chinese restaurant went viral. “Gentlemen, this is democracy manifest,” he declared, as officers attempted to place him into a patrol car, coining a phrase that has since become a cultural phenomenon.
While dining at the China Sea Restaurant in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley, he exclaimed, “What is the charge? Eating a meal – a succulent Chinese meal?” His humorous protests and memorable quips have resonated through generations, leading to hundreds of millions of views and numerous parodies.
Chris Reason, the reporter covering the original incident, confirmed Karlson’s death on social media, revealing that he had been battling advanced cancer. A documentary about Karlson’s life is currently in production, slated for release in early 2025.
