A former ADF member was seen confronting two racist women who were harassing an Asian man.
As reported by News.com.au, two women who were shouting racist remarks at an Asian man on a tram in Melbourne.
A video of the incident was recorded by former ADF member Sean Fitzsimons, who intervened when he saw the two teenage women verbally assaulting the man. He said he was “disgusted” by what he saw.
Fitzsimons is seen approaching them when one says, “you just put your arse in my face”.
“Go and cook some more f***ing cats … make sure it’s not my pet one,” one woman says.
“You really gonna carry on like that on a tram?” Fitzsimons asks the teens.
“I just want fried rice, bro,” one of them responds.
“You racist f***in’ pig,” Fitzsimons said. “Jesus. Hey, where you from, babe?”
“No comment, I’m from f***ing China,” one replies.
“Oh true, true. Where you ladies from?” the former ADF member says again.
“Werribee, brother,” one woman replies.
“Oh, out near the sh*t farm?” he responds. “I was wondering where that smell was coming from.”
Fitzsimons told other Asian passengers nearby that “most of us aren’t like that, most of us don’t hate their own lives”.
Speaking to news.com.au, Fitzsimons said, “Having served in the Australian Defence Force and represented this country I’m disgusted this still occurs and urge anyone else witnessing anything similar to stand up and do what’s right, whether that’s capturing it on audio or video if it’s not safe to intervene.
“We really need to send a clear message that any racism or discrimination is not accepted at all. You can see by their reaction after being called out, they immediately went silent, social media is powerful and allows us to really hold people accountable for their actions.”
He also has a message for the man they were targeting.
“To the man who was victimised on that tram, I want to apologise on behalf of Melbourne and its people. You are very welcome here, mate, and if you’d like a personal tour of Melbourne please get in touch.”
