Man behind Australia’s most viral meme dies aged 82

The man who created one of the most viral clips in Australian history has died aged 82.

The prison escapee and recidivist petty criminal – nicknamed 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 captivated the nation.

“What’s the charge? Eating a meal? A big Chinese meal!” Karlson shouted rhetorically while fighting off a series of police officers.

“Gentlemen, this is a manifestation of democracy” and “take your hands off my cock” are among his immortal quotes.

This pivotal moment inspired thousands of memes, musical remixes, reaction videos, and even a few tattoos. Democracy Manifest is also the name of an Australian thoroughbred racehorse.

Karlson’s family confirmed he died in hospital on Wednesday, after a battle with prostate cancer, surrounded by loved ones.

“He has walked a full and colourful path and despite the troubles that have come his way, he has lived by his motto – always smiling,” they said in a statement.

Karlson once again attracted national media attention in June, after he reunited with one of the police officers who arrested him that fateful day, Stoll Watt, to announce an upcoming documentary about his eccentric and little-known life.

Despite being a convicted criminal, Karlson has always maintained that the 1991 incident was a case of mistaken identity.

“They think I’m an international gangster,” he said at the time.

“The police usually arrest you — if they can make you do something, they will.”

In a recent interview with ABC News, Karlson described his long life as an adventure. He is said to have escaped prison three times, had numerous run-ins with authorities and even spent time as one of Brisbane’s most successful restaurateurs and truck drivers.

However, those who knew him said his childhood resembled a Charles Dickens tragedy – describing a childhood spent in and out of nursing homes and government agencies.

Condolences flooded social media after news of his passing broke.

“Sad news: Mr. Democracy Manifest has passed away. The cultural icon who inspired thousands of T-shirts and millions of downloads has terminal cancer,” Chris Reason, the reporter who covered the infamous spat, wrote on X.

“His immortal words will echo through the generations.”

Mr Watt – who has formed a close friendship with Karlson since their reunion – remembers the 82-year-old as a “larger than life” character “with a huge heart”.

“This is a sad day for Australia. We have lost a truly colourful character,” he told the ABC.