Qantas boss Alan Joyce to press charges, as pie thrower speaks out
The man who shoved a lemon meringue pie into Alan Joyce’s face says the CEO is at the forefront of promoting same-sex marriage, and he doesn’t agree with it.
Tony Overheu, a devout Christian, spoke with Seven News after he mashed a pie into the CEO’s face at a business breakfast in Perth’s exclusive Hyatt Regency hotel on Tuesday.
“There’s some really crude stuff going on here and Joyce has been very much leading the issue.”
Mr Joyce told journalists on Wednesday Qantas would not be backing down from its stance on same-sex marriage.
Mr Overheu doesn't agree with Qantas' stance on marriage equality. Source: 7 News
“Qantas has always spoken up on gender issues, on LGBTI issues, on Indigenous issues,” he said.
“And not attempt at bullying us into suppressing our voice will work.”
Despite Mr Overheu emailing Mr Joyce an unreserved apology for Tuesday's stunt, the multi-millionaire CEO isn't turning the other cheek.
Qantas chief executive Alan Joyce was speaking at a business breakfast in Perth, when a man attacked him with a pie. Picture: The West Australian
"The police are continuing their investigation and my intention is to send a message that this type of behaviour isn't acceptable and that I will have every intention of pressing charges," Mr Joyce told reporters on Wednesday.
Earlier, Mr Overheu read a statement on Perth radio station 6PR in which he criticised Qantas and other companies including Airbnb, Wesfarmers and Holden for promoting same-sex marriage, which he described as "corporate bullying aimed at social engineering".
It has been reported by News Corp that Mr Overheu is a former Nationals candidate, senior member of the Church of Christ, and national director of the WA branch of the Full Gospel Business Men's Fellowship International.
