Aussie senator's controversial post about King Charles sends shockwaves through social media

In the digital age, social media has become the battleground for political statements and public outcry, with every post potentially sparking a national conversation or controversy.

This was certainly the case for a prominent Australian politician, whose social media page became the centre of a heated debate following the sharing of a contentious image involving King Charles III.

As discussions about personal rights and public personas continue to unfold, this incident serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in navigating fame and public image in the digital age.


Independent Senator Thorpe, known for her outspoken advocacy on Indigenous rights, found herself at the heart of a social media storm when a cartoon depicting a decapitated King Charles III was posted on her social media page’s story.

The graphic image, which was accompanied by the text ‘You are not our king,’ echoed the sentiments Thorpe vocalised during a protest in Parliament House in Canberra.


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Independent Senator Lidia Thorpe deleted a controversial image from her social media, which she alleged had been shared without her approval. Credit: Facebook / Senator Lidia Thorpe


‘Earlier tonight, without my knowledge, one of my staff shared an image to my Instagram stories created by another account,’ Thorpe explained on her social media page.

‘I deleted it as soon as I saw.’

‘I would not intentionally share anything that could be seen to encourage violence against anyone,’ she added.


The senator's demonstration was as bold as it was polarising, with her cries of ‘give us our land back’, ‘not your land’, and ‘you are not my king. You are not our king,’ reverberating through the Great Hall.

She also urged the king to ‘give us a treaty’ and was heard saying, ‘f*** the colony’ before security ultimately removed her.

The protest itself was a significant moment, capturing the attention of all present and quickly becoming a topic of national conversation.


Thorpe's actions were met with a spectrum of reactions, from those who lauded her as ‘legendary’ for her audacity to stand up for Indigenous sovereignty to others who condemned the disruption as disrespectful.

Among the critics was former Indigenous senator and Olympian Nova Peris, who said she was ‘deeply disappointed’ at what she considered an embarrassing and disrespectful display during what should have been a respectful event.

‘Her outburst, which disrupted what should have been a respectful event, was both embarrassing and disrespectful to our nation and the Royal Family,’ Peris wrote on social media.


As tensions flared during the protest, the royal visit continued to captivate the attention of the public, with King Charles and Queen Camilla charming Australian crowds.

While Senator Lidia Thorpe’s outburst highlighted the ongoing discussions around Indigenous rights and representation, the royal couple’s warm reception underscored their commitment to fostering positive relations with the community.

This juxtaposition of protest and celebration illustrates the complex dynamics at play during their visit, reminding us of the diverse perspectives that shape our nation’s narrative.
Key Takeaways
  • Independent Senator Lidia Thorpe deleted a contentious image that was shared on her social media page without her approval, reportedly showing a cartoon of King Charles III's decapitated head.
  • The senator had protested during King Charles' speech in Parliament House in Canberra, making headlines with her actions and vocal opposition.
  • The image shared on Thorpe's social media page included the phrase ‘You are not our king’, echoing her comments made during the protest in the Great Hall.
  • While Thorpe has received both praise and criticism for her demonstration, she stated she does not endorse violence and that the post did not reflect her values.
We invite our readers to share their thoughts on this matter. How do you feel about the use of social media by public figures to make political statements? Do you believe Senator Thorpe's protest was effective in raising awareness, or do you think it crossed a line? Join the discussion in the comments below and let us know your perspective on the intersection of politics, protest, and social media etiquette.
 

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Well it’s been said she may have 1% of Aboriginal blood in her. She is a total embarrassment to all of us, the Greens have gone far away from what Bob Browne envisioned as a Greens party who also are a total disgrace. Seems she is just an attention seeker. How on earth can she be in parliament? She made an oath to Queen Elizabeth 11 and to all her family, meaning King Charles as well. Why did they not shut her down sooner? No doubt nothing will be done to like sanctions etc. Or will they?
Unfortunately our PM is too weak to do anything, Pauline Hanson has asked for her to be moved away from her in parliament because of her constant bullying, but he can’t even do that, we need a PM who looks after people not one who looks after bullying, disgraceful senators..
 
This woman is a total nut case. What a disgrace to all Australians. We, the taxpayers, pay her wages, she should be immediately kicked out of parliament. How anyone, particularly a Senator in our Government could be so disgracefully disrespectful to our Sovereign King Charles is totally beyond me. Her disgusting antics have brought nothing but shame on our country and it's people. I am totally ashamed of the way this idiot has behaved. She should never, ever have been elected as a Senator.
Yes absolutely true, she hates the monarchy but takes her wages from it, hypocrisy at its finest.
 
Miss Thorpe,
Is a pain and embarrassment and just loves to be the centre of attention.
There was no need for her out burst and her colourful language 🙀.
Now we are a bigger laughing stock to the world. By all means protest but right place right time.
Kind regards to all Vicki
 
This woman is a total nut case. What a disgrace to all Australians. We, the taxpayers, pay her wages, she should be immediately kicked out of parliament. How anyone, particularly a Senator in our Government could be so disgracefully disrespectful to our Sovereign King Charles is totally beyond me. Her disgusting antics have brought nothing but shame on our country and it's people. I am totally ashamed of the way this idiot has behaved. She should never, ever have been elected as a Senator.
I totally agree with everything you have said, well written.
 
Personally it didn’t trigger any acrimonious feelings within me. I felt that as an older Australian it was inappropriate. However it did provoke profound reactions in some of my friends, so much so, that one lady could not sleep at all that night.
But we are not indigenous people, so have not felt the racism and rejection, which Aborigines have felt, at the hands of conquerors. Some of us have some sort of ancient knowledge, of being conquered. Mostly through stories passed down through generations. This gives us some idea of the hurt and suffering, the degradation and anger which a conquered people endure. The thing is, that we need to accept that which has occurred, as no one can go back and fix what has happened. It is in the hands of this generation, the population now, to do the right thing and ensure that everybody is accepted and nurtured at every level of society, for as we all know “ There, but for the Grace of God, go I”
 
Disgusting for a recieptant of huge benefits she should be thankful that Australia’s position on First Nation is so generous to the point of being laughing stock of the world wake up Albo they will never be satisfied always wanting more,so next budget will be up to 47 billion dollars
 
She’s even an embarrassment to her own people. Why on earth doesn’t the PM get some balls and sack her. Behaviour like hers has no place in civilised society. Disgusting uncouth woman who belongs in a zoo for wild animals. Sorry, that’s not fair on the animals!!!
 
I have read all the comments about this disgraceful nutter! She should be sacked from Parliment, grow some 'balls' Albo and make an example of her and sack her, end of story!
I am an Australian by choice, but I must say, I am totally embarrassed by her actions and I would imagine that even members of the aboriginal community, would be embarrassed also!
 
Lidia Thorpe should not be in Politics. Her display of disrespect for King Charles was disgusting of any Politician whose income comes from the Government coffers. I for one am fed up with all this respect for the Aboriginal people when they don't respect us ordinary Australians. How many times do we have to say sorry for what happened generations ago. I know back then they were treated badly, but, get over it. It was not us, today's people who did this to you but, you keep dragging up the past. I think that you have been treated decently since and should just move on. I am not labelling all Aborigines in this, but the ones that want attention. Lidia Thorpe is one of them. Stop whingeing like a Pom.
 
If it wasn't for colonisation she would not be here today.

The Governor General should step in snd have this vile creature removed (fired).
Exactly. I’m sick of all the carry on. First of all I think all who claim to be aboriginal should have DNA tests to see how much aboriginal they have. I’m sure she enjoys all the benefits we have brought to this country. Where are their buildings, bridges, anything other than rock art and middens. We had an aboriginal lady looking after my mother in a nursing home a truly lovely lady whom we hugged to thank her for her care. But she was a true aboriginal.
 

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