Editor-DN
Jack Carlson, best known for the famous “Democracy Manifest” clip, died on August 7 at the age of 82. He was undergoing treatment for prostate cancer.
Carlson gained notoriety after videos of his 1991 arrest were uploaded online in 2009. Charged with petty offences, the dramatic arrest took place outside a Chinese restaurant in Brisbane. The video turned him into an overnight sensation, with viewers taking his comments to heart and immortalizing him.
I video, Carlson resisted the police, asking them, “What’s the charge? Eating food. A juicy Chinese meal”. Later, as he is dragged to a police car, Carlson can be heard saying, “Gentlemen, this is the epitome of democracy. Take a look at the headlock here.
The momentous event remains famous to this day, inspiring a plethora of memes, reaction videos, musical remixes and tattoos.
News of Carlson’s deteriorating health spread after his niece, Kim Edwards, started a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for her uncle’s treatment. Last week, he updated his fundraisers that Carlson was not doing well.
After hearing the news of his death, many fans paid tribute to him on social media. “Taken again, too soon. RIP Mr. Carlson. May your food always be juicy,” commented one X user. Another added, “Hope he’s enjoying a juicy meal in heaven.” A third user said, “Legends never die. Relax, sir.”
That June, Carlson was reunited with Stoll Watts, a policeman responsible for his arrest. That same month, he also announced an upcoming documentary based on his life, “The Man Who Ate a Succulent Chinese Meal.”
