AFP |
An Australian teen who egged a far-right senator over his offensive comments about the Christchurch mosque attacks says he has donated almost Aus$100,000 (US$69,000) raised for his legal defense to the victims of the shootings.
Australia’s “Egg Boy,” Will Connolly, who egged Islamophobic politician, donates almost $100,000 to charity: https://t.co/ot8xFhpn0B pic.twitter.com/dRVEGrV9B6
— Complex (@Complex) May 28, 2019
William Connolly, nicknamed “Eggboy”, made international headlines when he cracked an egg over controversial then-senator Fraser Anning’s head at a press conference after the massacre of 51 Muslim worshippers.
Anning, who has since lost his seat in Australia’s parliament, triggered outrage by claiming the attack in neighboring New Zealand was the result of Muslim immigration to the country.
Read more: Australian “Egg-Boy” escapes with police caution
Two GoFundMe pages set up to raise money to cover Connolly’s legal fees and to “buy more eggs” quickly attracted thousands of dollars in donations.
Connolly wrote on Instagram late Tuesday that he had “decided to donate all monies to help provide some relief to the victims of the massacre, it wasn’t mine to keep”.
An egg is mightier than the sword. The legend that is #eggboy shows true class. pic.twitter.com/DMvf3Nbwfq
— Mike Hauser (@Hauser_Mike) May 28, 2019
“Finally!!! After a huge amount of red tape, $99,922.36 has today been transferred to the Christchurch Foundation and Victims Support,” he said, adding that he didn’t need the money as a law firm acted pro bono for him.
Gordon Legal's Peter Gordon on the police decision on Egg Boy pic.twitter.com/4yT0qlclyc
— Gordon Legal (@gordonlegal_au) April 9, 2019
“To the victims of the Tragedy, I wholeheartedly hope that this can bring some relief to you. Keep spreading the love.”
Connolly in April was let off with a police caution for the incident.
AFP with additional input by GVS news desk