Jack Karlson, who found viral fame by declaring “Gentlemen, this is democracy manifest!” while resisting arrest outside a Chinese restaurant in Australia, has died. He was 82.
His family confirmed Karlson’s passing in a statement, prompting an outpouring of tributes online. Footage of Karlson’s 1991 arrest in Brisbane became an internet sensation when it was uploaded in 2009 and still endures as a meme today thanks to the immortal appeal of Karlson’s dramatic words as several officers struggled to force him into a police car, including: “What is the charge? Eating a meal? A succulent Chinese meal?” and “Ah yes, I see that you know your judo well!”
Karlson died on Wednesday surrounded by his family, his family confirmed to News.com.au, saying he’d battled cancer and many other health issues including systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS).
