‘We are sorry’: Ben Cousins dropped from speaking gig at Ballarat pub
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A Victorian pub has apologised and cancelled plans to host a speaking event headlined by former AFL player Ben Cousins following community backlash.
The former Brownlow Medal winner was scheduled to appear as a guest speaker at The George Hotel in Ballarat on Wednesday evening.
Ben Cousins had been scheduled to speak at a pub in Ballarat on Wednesday evening. Getty Images
The hotel confirmed the event would no longer go ahead just hours before Cousins was due to take the stage.
A spokesperson for the George Hotel said management had heard the “anger, disappointment and hurt” following the announcement of the speaking event.
“We recognise that decisions about who is given a platform carry particular significance for women, victim-survivors and others affected by domestic violence,” the pub said in a statement on Instagram.
“We understand why members of our community have questioned what this event represents and whether their experiences and concerns were adequately considered.
“They were not considered carefully enough and we are sorry.”
Cousins was jailed in 2017 after pleading guilty to a string of offences, including aggravated stalking, breaching a violence restraining order and drug possession.
He was sentenced again to seven months prison in 2020 over charges relating to stalking a former partner.
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The pub said it took full responsibility for the decision to book Cousins for a speaking gig and vowed to review its procedures.
“Our decision-making process did not give sufficient consideration to the event’s broader community impact or to the responsibility that comes with providing a public platform,” the statement continued.
“We have since begun reviewing how prospective speakers, performers, booking agents, and other partners are assessed.
“A strengthened process will include documented due diligence, consideration of relevant publicly available information, and an assessment of potential community impact, before an engagement is confirmed. Where appropriate and lawful, additional checks will also be undertaken.”
Management asked community members to refrain from directing threats or harassment to staff members.
Tickets for the event were advertised at $49 per person. MegaTix
The statement noted that individual employees were not responsible for the decision.
The original event was advertised as a “raw” evening with Cousins.
Tickets were sold for $49 per person.
Cousins had planned to open up about his struggles and time in prison during the show.
“For the first time, Ben Cousins opens up like never before. Life behind bars. Exile from the AFL community. The turning point. The fight back. And the ongoing journey to redemption,” a joint post from Authentic Autographs & Events Australia and the hotel read.
“This isn’t a highlight reel. This isn’t a polished comeback story. It’s brutal honesty. It’s vulnerable. It’s raw.
“Hear the lessons. Feel the struggle. Experience the journey – straight from Ben himself.”
A similar event is being advertised at the Seaford Hotel in Seaford for September 18.
Cousins was also due to speak at the St Bernard’s Old Collegians Association AFL Grand Final Eve Lunch at the Moonee Ponds Club on September 25 in Melbourne.
Organisers cancelled the event earlier this month due to “serious concerns” regarding Cousins’ criminal history.
Support is available from the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service at 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).
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