Bob Katter explodes in new video, threatening a reporter: ‘I punch blokes in the mouth for that’

Maverick Federal MP Bob Katter became visibly agitated at a press conference in Brisbane, shaking his fist at Channel 9’s Josh Bavas and accusing the reporter of racism after being questioned about his Lebanese background.

The confrontation occurred as Mr Katter, 80, responded strongly to discussions on migration and anti-migration views when Mr Bavas inquired about his family’s heritage.

“Don’t say that because that irritates me, and I punch blokes in the mouth for saying that,” Mr Katter said, before rejecting further questions from Mr Bavas.

When Mr Bavas persisted, Mr Katter walked up, pointed a finger at him, and claimed, “You cannot say what you just said without being identified as a racist. Gentlemen, ladies, this man is a racist, don’t listen to him.”

It is understood Mr Bavas was attempting to ask whether Katter placed more importance on the values people bring to Australia than their country of origin, before being interrupted.

Earlier, Mr Katter argued that his electorate had seen no new migrants for two decades, but then conceded that people from countries like Finland and Croatia had moved in, citing their “rule of law”, democracy, and “Christianity”.

According to the 2021 Census, 77 per cent of Kennedy’s 171,000 residents were born in Australia, with others hailing from New Zealand, England, the Philippines, India, and Italy.

Mr Katter, joined by his son Robbie Katter and other KAP MPs, called the media gathering to denounce anti-Australian sentiments and show support for Brisbane’s March for Australia rally while holding the national flag.

Katter Snr condemned what he viewed as a lack of tolerance among migrants, particularly those moving predominantly to Melbourne and Sydney, and said they were not embracing Australian culture.

“I don’t care whether you’re born here or not, if you have anti-Australian sentiments then get the hell out of my country,” he said.

At this moment, Mr Bavas tried to ask about Mr Katter’s Lebanese origins, but was cut short and threatened.

As the exchange intensified, Mr Bavas responded, “I don’t think it’s fair to threaten journalists with a fist before they’ve even finished the question. I think it’s quite offensive to threaten a journalist.”

KAP leader Robbie Katter appeared uncomfortable and acknowledged, “point’s taken,” while deputy Nick Dametto interjected, “With all due respect, I think you’ve offended Mr Katter,” he said.

“What was my offence?” Mr Bavas replied, to which Mr Dametto answered, “You’ve offended him, haven’t you listened to him?” as Mr Katter declined to discuss the matter further.

Mr Dametto then declined to field further questions from Mr Bavas as the press conference concluded.