The Launceston City Council has reported American singer Ronnie Radke to Tasmania Police after he launched an expletive-laden online tirade targeting local councillors.
Radke, who has a history of domestic violence and assault charges and previously served time in prison, unleashed the rant on councillors who raised concerns about a photo of him posing with Mayor Matthew Garwood.
The concerns, published by the ABC, related to Radke’s violent past and included comment from Councillor Andrea Dawkins, who said several women had reached out to her expressing unease about the image.
“They are understandably perplexed why our mayor would stand in solidarity with a person convicted of parole violations associated with violence,” Dawkins said.
“The social media post relating to this issue felt like a provocation and I am left wondering how this action serves the people of Launceston.”
The photo was taken after Radke’s recent Adelaide concert, which Garwood attended in a personal capacity as a long-time fan.
“I saw this as simply an opportunity to meet a band that I went through high school listening to,” Garwood said. “Never to endorse any specific actions or personal positions of the band.”
In a five-minute Instagram video posted earlier today, Radke responded by calling Dawkins, among other derogatory statements, a “Lego-headed bi–h” and the ABC “propaganda pieces of s–t c–ks”.
“You guys are such f–king p–sy ass bi–hes,” he said, addressing community members who also shared their concerns.
“I’m coming back with a vengeance with that s–t … I’m coming for your f–king ugly asses next.”
Radke then shared Dawkins’ council phone number and email address, encouraging his followers to send “a ton of emails and calls”.
“Don’t talk to me about equality or violence or any of that s–t when your f–king entire economy was boosted by f–king convicted felons … You don’t even f–king know a single thing about me,” Radke said.
City of Launceston CEO Sam Johnson condemned the video as “not only reckless but entirely unacceptable”.
“No individual, celebrity or otherwise, has the right to weaponise their platform against those who exercise their democratic right to voice concerns,” he said in a statement.
“Mr Radke’s actions place undue risk on the safety and wellbeing of councillors and their families, creating a hostile environment that goes against the principles of free speech, accountability and civil discourse.”
Johnson said the council stands firmly against any form of threats or harassment aimed at elected members or staff.
“We will be working closely with Tasmania Police to monitor the situation and ensure that those responsible for any abusive or threatening behaviour face appropriate consequences,” he said.
Last week, Garwood said he was “really disheartened” that his post had “caused some offence and concern”.
“Sorry, I never want to cause distress or upset members of the community,” he wrote online.
“As Mayor, I know I do things a bit differently and I remain committed to representing all residents of Launceston with integrity and openness.”
