Man behind viral "democracy manifest" arrest dies
Jack Karlson, the man behind one of Australia's most famous viral memes, has died aged 82.
Karlson shot to fame after footage of his 1991 arrest outside the China Sea Restaurant in Brisbane went viral in 2009 when someone uploaded it to the internet.
"Gentlemen, this is democracy manifest," he said during the arrest.
"What is the charge? Eating a meal - a succulent Chinese meal?"
"Have a look at the headlock here. See that chap over there?" he went on.
"Get your hand off my penis! This is the bloke who got me on the penis before."
Reports at the time suggested that Karlson had been arrested on suspicion of being criminal that was high on Queensland police's wanted list.
While he did have a criminal history himself as he was known for several prison escapes throughout his life, he insisted that he was the wrong man.
The reporter who reported Karlson's arrest 33 years ago, Chris Reason, confirmed Karlson's death in a social media post on X, tweeting that "Mr Democracy Manifest has died".
A fundraiser had been set up for Karlson by his niece in June after he was reportedly diagnosed with prostate cancer and needed surgery for cataracts.
“I know Jack’s video has given a lot of people joy and he has inspired many memes, t-shirts and other things over the years but Jack himself is doing it quite tough,” his niece wrote on the fundraiser at the time.
“He has never had much money but has always been generous to family and friends. He lives week to week in regional QLD with the help of a voluntary carer.
“Hoping people can dig deep – I think he’s worth at least a beer, maybe even a 6-pack.”
In an update last week, his niece said that he wasn't doing well.
“He has been in Hospital for two weeks now,” she wrote.
“He has had multiple procedures but things are not looking good.
“One thing that did lift his spirits was that the GoFundMe was taking off. He has been really appreciative of the donations and the comments.”
A documentary about his life is currently in production and set to be released in early 2025.
Images: 7News