Man Insults Australian Politician on Plane withHarry PotterComment — Some Think It Went Too Far: ‘That’s Just Mean’

Mar. 15, 2025

People on plane (stock image).Photo:Getty

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A prominent Australian politician was recently teased whiletraveling on an airplane, and people on the internet have mixed feelings about the incident.

The moment — which was captured on video and anonymously shared to an Australian political satire account onTikTok— shows Peter Dutton, a conservative politician and leader of one of Australia’s main political parties, seated on an airplane.

A fellow airline traveler approaches and says: “Mr. Dutton, I just want to say you were really great in theHarry Potterfilms. […] Best performance.”

The comment was likely in reference to a previous incident in 2022 in which Tanya Plibersek, a progressive politician from an opposing party, compared Dutton toLord Voldemort, the cruel and calculated villain of theHarry Potterfranchise, perThe Guardian.

Australian Opposition Leader Peter Dutton.Tracey Nearmy/Getty

CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA - MAY 15: Opposition Leader Peter Dutton arrives and walks behind Prime Minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese during post budget media interviews at Parliament House on May 15, 2024 in Canberra, Australia. Australia’s Labor government is grappling with a slowing economy, weaker commodity prices, soaring housing costs and a softening labor market. It unveiled its federal budget on May 14. The budget is seen as a key opportunity for the Labor government to deliver broad economic support that analysts say is fundamental to re-election chances next year

Tracey Nearmy/Getty

“Not a fan of Dutton but that’s just mean,” wrote one person.

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“I don’t like Dutton or his policies but I love how in Australia we have a democracy and civility. Leave the guy alone,” added another.

Others, however, found the comment funny.

“Absolute legend,” wrote one person, with another adding, “I do love Australia’s willingness to roast politicians to their face.”

Dutton has also been compared to U.S. PresidentDonald Trumpin recent years, promoting many of the same anti-immigration and populist policies in his country. He has also vowed to cut “wasteful” government spending should he be elected prime minister in the upcoming 2025 election and recently took aim at his government’s diversity initiatives, per theAustralian Broadcasting Company.

Dutton has also caused controversy among environmentalists due to the fact that he has said he does not support the country’s currentemissions reduction plan.

source: people.com

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