‘I start shaking': 3-second clip that changed nurse's entire life
When Ms Connor, 38, posted a video of herself, sharing a day in the life of being a nurse in NSW, she never expected to be accused of committing a crime.
In the clip, which has now been removed from social media but has been seen by news.com.au, Ms Connor is seen doing a military-style salute with her left hand in the mirror before heading off to work.
The 38-year-old, who edited the video herself, reviewed the footage before posting it and didn't foresee any problems.
However, after she shared it, there were people that accused her of doing the Nazi salute. In January 2024 it became illegal in Australia to perform a Nazi salute in public, a gesture that is associated with Adolf Hitler and is performed by extending the right arm from the shoulder into the air.
The law was implemented off the back of the rise of anti-Semitism in Australia.
Ms Connor tearfully told news.com.au that when she posted that clip she only saw a 'military salute' and never thought people would chop up the video and screengrab the moment her arm was highest in the air.
From there, online, people were doctoring the clip and reversing the order of the salute, so it looked more and more like a Nazi salute.
'It was taken out of context. People were reversing it and playing it backwards, so it looked like the opposite of how I did it,' she said.
Ms Connor said that, when she sees the altered images online, or just a screenshot of a brief moment where her arm is in the air, she understands why people could get the wrong impression.
'I see the images and I'm scared of it. The screenshot terrifies me. I'm having nightmares because that is not me, and that is not what I was doing,' she said.
'When I see it in my head I start shaking.'
Ms Connor's work was contacted, and she was 'stood down' while the matter was being investigated. The police were also contacted to investigate.
'The nursing board were told because it is illegal, they reported it to the police, and the police asked me for the full video,' she said.
Ms Connor claimed that the 'salute has been cleared' by the police and the nursing board and said the only reason she's not able to return to work is that she violated social media policies by filming herself and co-workers at work.
NSW Police confirmed to news.com.au that officers attached to Wollongong Police District commenced an investigation after reports of an offensive video posted to a social media site on Thursday 17 April 2024.
Following inquiries, no further police action is expected.
Margaret Martin, the chief executive of Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Heath Distract told news.com.au they aware of a TikTok post made by a casual nurse.
'We are also aware the nurse has apologised and the post removed. The Local Health District is now investigating the matter in line with the NSW Health Code of Conduct and Social Media Policy.
'The nurse will not be rostered for any further shifts while the investigation is underway.
'ISLHD is committed to fostering an environment of respect and inclusivity. We are proud to provide safe, compassionate and high-quality care to all people across the diverse communities we serve.'
Ms Connor also posted an apology on social media, saying she would never condone hatred of any kind and was horrified that the video had caused offence.
'I want to be absolutely clear that was never my intention, and I do not in any way support or condone hate or extremism of any kind,' she said.
The nurse said that, after the backlash, she reflected on her use of a military salute and wanted to apologise if that gesture offended anyone.
'I have taken some time to reflect and understand the deep significance a salute holds, especially to those in the armed forces,' she said.
Ms Connor said the reason she didn't apologise to the Jewish community is because she didn't do a Nazi salute, and she didn't want to make an apology over something she didn't do.
'I didn't want it to sound like I was admitting to guilt,' she said.
'It started at my forehead which is how a traditional soldiers salute starts. I was apologising for that but I wasn't doing a Nazi salute.
'It'd be so easy to take that out of context again, and then people would say, 'why are you apologising to them if you didn't do it?''
Ms Connor is conscious that it is a difficult situation in which to figure out the correct response. Her images have been manipulated online and she's lost complete control of the narrative, but she also doesn't want anyone to believe she did a Nazi salute.
She has also now received death threats and has had to contact police. There is now an open investigation because she fears for her own personal safety.
'I can't eat, I can't sleep, and I'm constantly seeing that image in my head, and it scares me and terrifies me,' she said.
'I've built up a good reputation and I'm a good person.'
The 38-year-old said she's anxious and fearful.
She can handle the everyday online trolling that comes with sharing your life online. She's used to people calling her too skinny, questioning her cooking, or even judging her parenting, but this is just too much.
'It breaks my heart,' she said.
Ms Connor doesn't think the people accusing her of a crime understand the 'magnitude' of their actions.
'It went from a hand gesture to a police investigation,' she said.
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9 News
13 hours ago
- 9 News
Actor may question 'mathematical formula' of Nazi salute in court case
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The Advertiser
15 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Nazi salute 'maths' may be raised in actor's court case
Former television soap star Damien Richardson may question the "mathematical formula" of a Nazi salute as he fights charges in court. The former Neighbours and McLeod's Daughters actor, 55, faced Moorabbin Magistrates Court on Tuesday accompanied by his mother. He is charged with performing a Nazi salute at a restaurant in Melbourne's southeast in September 2024. Richardson had asked police to consider offering him a diversion at a hearing in June, to spare him a criminal conviction, but this was rejected, the court was told on Tuesday. He has been charged with intentionally performing "a Nazi gesture whilst knowing that the symbol is associated with Nazi ideology" and that "the display "occurred in a public place, at Urban St restaurant in McKinnon. Prosecutor Nicholas La Mattina applied to change the wording of the single charge, to remove "symbol" and "display". 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Mr La Mattina said he may potentially call an expert on "what constitutes a Nazi salute" to give evidence to the hearing but flagged he needed further instructions before confirming this. If called, Mr Monagle said he would cross-examine that witness on the "mathematical formula" of what constitutes a Nazi salute, including how high an arm must be raised and the position of fingers. "We would spend extensive time if an expert was called in regards to that," the defence lawyer said. A two-hour live stream of the incident may be played at the contested hearing, but Mr Monagle said he would ask the court to not allow evidence of another speaker at the event. "What he said would be prejudicial to my client's case," he said. Richardson, who is facing a fine of up to $23,000 or 12 months in jail, will return to the court for a contested hearing on November 5 and 6. The first Victorian convicted of performing a Nazi salute in public was Jacob Hersant, a far-right extremist who was handed a one-month jail term but freed on bail pending an appeal. Former television soap star Damien Richardson may question the "mathematical formula" of a Nazi salute as he fights charges in court. The former Neighbours and McLeod's Daughters actor, 55, faced Moorabbin Magistrates Court on Tuesday accompanied by his mother. He is charged with performing a Nazi salute at a restaurant in Melbourne's southeast in September 2024. Richardson had asked police to consider offering him a diversion at a hearing in June, to spare him a criminal conviction, but this was rejected, the court was told on Tuesday. He has been charged with intentionally performing "a Nazi gesture whilst knowing that the symbol is associated with Nazi ideology" and that "the display "occurred in a public place, at Urban St restaurant in McKinnon. Prosecutor Nicholas La Mattina applied to change the wording of the single charge, to remove "symbol" and "display". He also asked the magistrate to insert the words "Nazi salute" into the charge, and that it "is likely to be confused with or mistaken for a Nazi salute, whilst knowing the Nazi salute is a Nazi gesture". Magistrate Luisa Bazzani approved of the changed wording and ordered the matter be set down for a two-day contested hearing. She said there were two issues; whether Richardson performed a Nazi gesture or salute and whether he could be exempt under the Act as performing out of "genuine artistic purpose". "What's conceded is the gesture Mr Richardson performed was a Nazi gesture, but not specifically a Nazi salute," Mr La Mattina said. Defence lawyer Peter Monagle said his client claimed "it was a gesture which was made without thought as to what ramifications there may be". However, Ms Bazzani said Richardson had referred to the fact he may be fined or jailed, while he was performing the gesture. Mr La Mattina said he may potentially call an expert on "what constitutes a Nazi salute" to give evidence to the hearing but flagged he needed further instructions before confirming this. If called, Mr Monagle said he would cross-examine that witness on the "mathematical formula" of what constitutes a Nazi salute, including how high an arm must be raised and the position of fingers. "We would spend extensive time if an expert was called in regards to that," the defence lawyer said. A two-hour live stream of the incident may be played at the contested hearing, but Mr Monagle said he would ask the court to not allow evidence of another speaker at the event. "What he said would be prejudicial to my client's case," he said. Richardson, who is facing a fine of up to $23,000 or 12 months in jail, will return to the court for a contested hearing on November 5 and 6. The first Victorian convicted of performing a Nazi salute in public was Jacob Hersant, a far-right extremist who was handed a one-month jail term but freed on bail pending an appeal. Former television soap star Damien Richardson may question the "mathematical formula" of a Nazi salute as he fights charges in court. The former Neighbours and McLeod's Daughters actor, 55, faced Moorabbin Magistrates Court on Tuesday accompanied by his mother. He is charged with performing a Nazi salute at a restaurant in Melbourne's southeast in September 2024. Richardson had asked police to consider offering him a diversion at a hearing in June, to spare him a criminal conviction, but this was rejected, the court was told on Tuesday. He has been charged with intentionally performing "a Nazi gesture whilst knowing that the symbol is associated with Nazi ideology" and that "the display "occurred in a public place, at Urban St restaurant in McKinnon. Prosecutor Nicholas La Mattina applied to change the wording of the single charge, to remove "symbol" and "display". He also asked the magistrate to insert the words "Nazi salute" into the charge, and that it "is likely to be confused with or mistaken for a Nazi salute, whilst knowing the Nazi salute is a Nazi gesture". Magistrate Luisa Bazzani approved of the changed wording and ordered the matter be set down for a two-day contested hearing. She said there were two issues; whether Richardson performed a Nazi gesture or salute and whether he could be exempt under the Act as performing out of "genuine artistic purpose". "What's conceded is the gesture Mr Richardson performed was a Nazi gesture, but not specifically a Nazi salute," Mr La Mattina said. Defence lawyer Peter Monagle said his client claimed "it was a gesture which was made without thought as to what ramifications there may be". However, Ms Bazzani said Richardson had referred to the fact he may be fined or jailed, while he was performing the gesture. Mr La Mattina said he may potentially call an expert on "what constitutes a Nazi salute" to give evidence to the hearing but flagged he needed further instructions before confirming this. If called, Mr Monagle said he would cross-examine that witness on the "mathematical formula" of what constitutes a Nazi salute, including how high an arm must be raised and the position of fingers. "We would spend extensive time if an expert was called in regards to that," the defence lawyer said. A two-hour live stream of the incident may be played at the contested hearing, but Mr Monagle said he would ask the court to not allow evidence of another speaker at the event. "What he said would be prejudicial to my client's case," he said. Richardson, who is facing a fine of up to $23,000 or 12 months in jail, will return to the court for a contested hearing on November 5 and 6. 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However, Ms Bazzani said Richardson had referred to the fact he may be fined or jailed, while he was performing the gesture. Mr La Mattina said he may potentially call an expert on "what constitutes a Nazi salute" to give evidence to the hearing but flagged he needed further instructions before confirming this. If called, Mr Monagle said he would cross-examine that witness on the "mathematical formula" of what constitutes a Nazi salute, including how high an arm must be raised and the position of fingers. "We would spend extensive time if an expert was called in regards to that," the defence lawyer said. A two-hour live stream of the incident may be played at the contested hearing, but Mr Monagle said he would ask the court to not allow evidence of another speaker at the event. "What he said would be prejudicial to my client's case," he said. Richardson, who is facing a fine of up to $23,000 or 12 months in jail, will return to the court for a contested hearing on November 5 and 6. 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West Australian
17 hours ago
- West Australian
‘Scientific': Actor to fight Nazi salute charge on mathematics of arm angle
An Australian actor will challenge what exactly constitutes a Nazi salute as he fights a criminal accusation levelled against him. Damien Richardson's lawyer said what exactly equalled a Nazi salute was 'scientific' and 'mathematical', including the gesture-maker's arm angle and finger arrangement. Mr Richardson, an actor from some of Australia's most successful serial dramas, appeared in the Moorabbin Magistrates' Court on Tuesday. He will challenge the definitions of the Nazi salute-banning laws, which took effect in Victoria in late 2023. 'It's a single issue as to the interpretation of the law,' defence lawyer Peter Monagle said in court. 'There seems to be some sort of mathematical formula about the arm and whether the fingers are together.' In court on Tuesday, the charge was also amended. Mr Richardson is now charged with did intentionally perform a Nazi gesture by performing a Nazi salute, or a gesture that so resembles a Nazi salute, that it is likely to be confused with or mistaken for a Nazi salute whilst knowing that the gesture is a Nazi gesture and the performance of the gesture occurred in a public place. The case has been scheduled for a two-day contested hearing in November when the prosecution will look to call an expert on what constitutes a Nazi salute. Mr Richardson and his lawyer asked for a sentencing indication from the magistrate this week, which was refused. The police also refused a push for a diversion sentence, which would have meant Mr Richardson avoided a conviction. Mr Monagle also raised the case of Victoria's first Nazi salute conviction – an act Jacob Hersant committed in front of media – when discussing a sentence indication. Hersant is appealing. Mr Monagle also said that a Victoria Police sergeant was not charged for making the salute 'at the police academy two days in a row', though the defence lawyer quickly retracted the statement when magistrate Luisa Bizzani cut him off. 'It was a gesture that was made without thought to what the ramifications could be,' Mr Monagle said of his client's alleged act. Ms Bizzani also rebuffed this point, saying Mr Richardson's statement to police showed he 'knew he could be fined or jailed'. Prosecution lawyer Nicholas La Mattina said the defence conceded 'it was a Nazi gesture but not a Nazi salute'. The court was told the event at which Mr Richardson allegedly committed the act was livestreamed, and the two-hour recording would be played at the November court date. Another person spoke at the event, and Mr Richardson's lawyer wants the other speaker's section cut from the evidential video so as not to prejudice his case. Outside court, Mr Richardson declined to comment to NewsWire. Mr Monagle reiterated his point about what constitutes a salute. 'I didn't know there were scientific facts involved in this, but we'll see what he says' the lawyer said, referencing the prosecution expert. Mr Richardson had a recurring role on Australian television show Neighbours from 2014 to 2020. He also acted in Blue Heelers, McLeod's Daughters and Wentworth. Without an acting credit to his name since 2021, Mr Richardson unsuccessfully ran for politics in 2022. At the state election that year, he ran for the right-wing Freedom Party. He contested a federal senate seat as an independent. In 2023, the Victorian government criminalised Nazi symbols and gestures. The ban took effect in October of that year. Displaying the Nazi swastika was already illegal before the new laws, but the reform banned further symbols, including the salute. Hersant, a Victorian neo-Nazi, performed the salute on courthouse steps in front of media cameras less than a week after the laws took effect. He was sentenced to a month in prison but is appealing.
