The man who made the most viral video in Australian history has died aged 82.
The prison escapee and repeat criminal – whose nickname was Jack Karlson – shot to fame in 2009, after footage of his dramatic 1991 arrest outside a Brisbane Chinese restaurant was uploaded to the internet and went viral. nation.
“What is the crime? Are you eating? Delicious Chinese food” Karlson shouted theatrically as he challenged the police line.
“Men, this is democracy” and “get your hand off my dick” were some of his immortal lines.
The first season inspired thousands of memes, music remixes, reaction videos and a few tattoos. Democracy Manifest is also the name of a purebred Australian racehorse.
Karlson’s family confirmed that he died in hospital on Wednesday, following a battle with prostate cancer, surrounded by loved ones.
“He walked a full and colorful path and despite the problems thrown at him, he lived up to his motto – to keep smiling,” they said in a statement.
Karlson also attracted national media attention in June, after meeting with one of the officers, Stoll Watt, who had arrested him that fateful day, to announce an upcoming documentary about his obscure and mysterious life.
Although he was a convicted felon, Karlson has maintained that the 1991 incident was a case of mistaken identity.
“They thought I was an international criminal”, he said at the time.
“Regular police officers are arresting you – if they can put something on you, they will.”
In a recent interview with ABC News, Karlson described his long life as one of adventure. It reportedly included three jail breaks, numerous run-ins with the authorities and a stint as Brisbane’s busiest restaurant and bar.
Those who knew him, however, say his childhood was like a Charles Dickens tragedy – describing a youth spent in and out of foster homes and government institutions.
Tributes have been pouring in on social media following the news of his passing.
“Sad news: Mr. Democracy Manifest is dead. The cultural icon, whose arrest inspired a thousand t-shirts and millions of downloads, had advanced cancer,” said Chris Reason, a journalist who spoke about the still-unknown controversy, wrote in X.
“His immortal words will echo from generation to generation.”
Mr Watt – who has developed a close friendship with Karlson since their reunion – remembered the 82-year-old as a “larger than life” person with a “big heart”.
“It’s a sad day for Australia. We just lost a real character of color,” he told ABC.
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