Disturbing video shows 'Yes' sign mowed down days after failed Voice referendum
The video has gone viral just one day after 'No' voters defeated the Voice referendum, but the man who shared it denies he was behind the wheel.
A controversial grocer has spoken out after sharing a video of a driver running over a 'yes' campaign sign in the middle of a roundabout just hours after the Voice referendum failed.
Johnny Kapiris, owner of St Bernards Fruit and Veg Market in Adelaide, created tension among Aussies after sharing the clip to his business' Facebook page on Sunday morning. The dashcam footage shows a car driving down a road before mounting the roundabout and smashing into the 'vote yes' sign.
"Oops easy daisy, I done myself a small detour (sic)," the caption says.
Despite initial reports Mr Kapiris was behind the wheel, the grocer, who has previously made headlines for his online antics, he told Yahoo News Australia that the video was actually sent to him.
"I didn't do it. I know who did but that stays between us. Just got it sent to me, they shared it via text. I didn't do the crime. I have a Mercedes — I wouldn't," he laughed on Monday afternoon.
Aussies erupt over footage
Although Johnny may not have been the driver, by sharing the video — which quickly went viral — he has touched on a raw nerve among Aussies after the 'yes' campaign's brutal defeat on Saturday.
While the response from Mr Kapiris' followers was largely positive, who labelled him a 'true hero', others were furious at the disrespectful nature of the incident.
"You are an absolute dead beat ... hope you got two flat tyres," one angry commenter responded, as another added that most people celebrating such behaviour didn't "even know what the vote was for".
"Tough guy! It's pretty easy to see why most of the nuffies commenting on this think you're a legend … they share as many brain cells as you," a third said.
Many online community groups have been filled with comments from both boasting 'no' voters and devastated 'yes' supporters since before the outcome was confirmed.
Request for a time of mourning
This footage and ensuing comments come after a group of Indigenous leaders linked to the Yes campaign declared a "week of silence" to mourn the result, calling for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags to be lowered to half-mast.
Many organisations have come forward to support their request, asking for Australians to respect one another and show support following the results.
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