Dramatic footage has emerged of embattled former television host Andrew O’Keefe verbally abusing police during his 2021 arrest on domestic violence charges. The police bodycam footage, released by a NSW court and aired by Nine News, shows O’Keefe screaming at officers arresting him at his CBD apartment. Police knock on O’Keefe’s door just before 5pm on September 10 before informing the former Deal or No Deal and Weekend Sunrise host that he is being arrested for assault and breaching an apprehended violence order.
"This is a very simple request. Why are you being such f---king Nazis about it?" he continues, demanding to know why he must calm down as four officers restrain him and pin him against a wall. "Why would I calm down when you’re doing this to me?" he shouts.
When an officer tells him that his "attitude is not making it any better," O’Keefe responds, "Attitude? F--- you man, this is not attitude… this is justifiable and righteous rage at the way I am being treated." The footage then shows him being led from his apartment building, while repeatedly telling the officers to "stop telling me to calm down."
O'Keefe's Legal Woes
The release of the footage comes after O’Keefe appeared in Downing Centre Local Court on Tuesday, after pleading guilty to driving while his licence was suspended on June 20 in Sydney’s eastern suburbs. O’Keefe, who represented himself in court, was given a conditional release order of 12 months without a conviction being recorded. This marked a small victory for O’Keefe, who has been dealing with a string of legal issues in recent years.
In January, O’Keefe was found guilty of kicking, pushing and spitting at a woman and of possessing 1.6 grams of mephedrone, or meow meow, at a Sydney hotel. He pleaded not guilty to common assault and assault occasioning actual bodily harm against a woman in September 2021. Days later, he was charged with resisting arrest and possessing an illicit drug.
The 52-year-old admitted to breaching an apprehended violence order and a separate drug possession charge, relating to cannabis, but fought the other charges at a hearing in February and November last year. A charge of resisting arrest was dismissed. O’Keefe was ordered to serve 18 months on a community corrections order, which involves supervision and reporting requirements, and fined $800 for the drug offending.
O'Keefe's Mental Health
During the January trial, the court heard that O'Keefe suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder and bipolar affective disorder, conditions which require him to take daily medication. His lawyer argued that these conditions, coupled with his high profile status, made him particularly vulnerable to media scrutiny and public judgment. The court considered this argument, but ultimately found O’Keefe guilty of the charges against him. However, he is currently appealing these convictions.
The Public Reaction
The release of the footage has sparked a wave of public reaction. Some have expressed sympathy for O’Keefe, arguing that his behavior is indicative of a mental health crisis, while others have condemned his actions as unacceptable. The incident has also raised questions about the adequacy of the legal system's response to domestic violence cases involving high-profile figures.
A Fall From Grace
The footage underscores the sharp fall from grace for O’Keefe, who once enjoyed a successful career as a television host. He was a popular face on Australian television, known for his work on shows like Deal or No Deal, Weekend Sunrise and The Chase Australia. However, his public image has been tarnished by the recent allegations and legal battles.
Despite the challenges he faces, O'Keefe has maintained that he is innocent of the charges against him and has vowed to fight for justice. The release of the footage will undoubtedly add fuel to the fire of this already high-profile case, and it will be interesting to see how it impacts the ongoing legal proceedings. It remains to be seen what the long-term consequences of this incident will be for O'Keefe, both personally and professionally.
The Aftermath: Where does O'Keefe go from here?
Andrew O’Keefe’s arrest footage is a stark reminder of the complexities of domestic violence and mental health struggles. While the public remains divided on O’Keefe’s actions and motivations, his story serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of unchecked rage and the fragility of success. As he continues to battle legal hurdles and grapple with his personal demons, the future remains uncertain for the fallen television star. Will he be able to find redemption and rebuild his life? Only time will tell.
