DJ accused of headbutting Abbott says alleged act wasn't about same-sex marriage

A 38-year-old has been charged by police after allegedly headbutting former prime minister Tony Abbott on the Hobart waterfront.

Astro Labe Tony Abbott

Hobart DJ Astro Labe (left) has been accused of attacking former prime minister Tony Abbott (right). Source: SBS

A Hobart DJ accused of headbutting Tony Abbott says the alleged act has nothing to do with marriage equality.

Astro Labe, 38, was on Friday charged with assaulting the former prime minister as he walked along the Hobart waterside to his hotel on Thursday afternoon.

Labe said he spotted Mr Abbott on the street and went over to shake his hand before leaning in for a headbutt.


"I picked up pace and went 'Tony, Tony, can I shake your hand?'," he said.

"Apparently he got a fat lip but he didn't have one this morning."



Labe said he hated Mr Abbott, telling 7 News: "I saw him across the street and never thought I'd get a chance to headbutt that c*** again."

Mr Abbott told reporters he suffered minor injuries and was left shocked by the encounter.

Labe said he was wearing a 'yes' sticker supporting the same-sex marriage campaign but the attempted headbutt was inspired by a general dislike for Mr Abbott and not one issue in particular.

"Coincidentally, some friend had put a sticker on me," he said.

Labe is expected to face court in October.

Share
Published 22 September 2017 1:58pm
Updated 23 September 2017 7:47am


Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Download our apps
SBS News
SBS Audio
SBS On Demand

Listen to our podcasts
An overview of the day's top stories from SBS News
Interviews and feature reports from SBS News
Your daily ten minute finance and business news wrap with SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves.
A daily five minute news wrap for English learners and people with disability
Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS
SBS World News

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service
Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world