Comedian Alex “Shooter” Williamson from Adelaide recently shared a controversial video on social media that depicted a fictional phone conversation between the parents of Kumanjayi Little Baby and the accused murderer, Jefferson Lewis.
The South Australian Commissioner for Aboriginal Children and Young People has condemned this content as insensitive and hurtful to a mourning community.
In response to the video, the Willunga Football Club has decided to suspend Williamson from his participation with the team.
The Commissioner, Dale Agius, expressed his strong disapproval of the “deeply offensive” video, which emerged following the tragic death of Kumanjayi Little Baby in Alice Springs last week. The video has since been removed from social media platforms.
Agius stated that the death of the young girl has devastated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities throughout Australia, as well as all individuals with a sense of compassion. He emphasized that Williamson’s post could not be considered comedy or humor, but rather an act of cruelty disguised as a joke aimed at a grieving community.
“To exploit the abduction and murder of a five-year-old Aboriginal child for cheap laughs and to simulate a conversation with the individual charged with her murder is not comedic,” Agius asserted. “This type of content perpetuates racism under the guise of humor and conveys a message that the lives, deaths, and grief of Aboriginal children and their families are mere entertainment for others.”
Agius firmly stated that such material should have no place in public discourse, especially during a time of national mourning for the young girl, labeling it as unconscionable. He reiterated that there is no context or comedic framing that could justify this behavior.
He praised the Willunga Football Club for taking action against Williamson and urged for empathy and respect towards the grieving family and community. “I encourage all South Australians, and indeed all Australians, to stand in solidarity with the family. This is a time to share in their sorrow and allow the legal process to unfold,” Agius added.
Agius also highlighted that the circumstances surrounding Kumanjayi Little Baby’s death are reflective of broader issues faced by many families living in remote and regional Australia, including overcrowded housing, inadequate services, and significant poverty.
The ABC has attempted to contact Alex Williamson for his response to the situation.
Jefferson Lewis, aged 47, has been charged with the murder of Kumanjayi Little Baby.
