A young woman who wore clown make-up while dressed in an Australian Defence Force cadet uniform at the Melbourne anti-war protests has been slammed for disrespecting diggers.
The woman, who calls herself Nikki on social media, was one of around 1,200 anti-war demonstrators who descended on the Land Forces 2024 weapons expo at Melbourne Convention Centre on Wednesday morning.
She was filmed in the background of a live news segment, staring down the camera lens while nonchalantly eating a croissant.
Her cadet uniform was adorned with a badge that read ‘Zionism is terrorism’.
At one stage, she rushed up to Sky News reporter Georgie Dickerson where she screamed: ‘You are complicit in genocide!’
Her appearance in an Australian Air Force Cadets uniform sparked fury, with online commentators calling for her to be immediately kicked out of the youth military program.
‘This is absolutely appalling! The behaviour on display is utterly unacceptable and deeply concerning,’ seethed one person.
‘Is this truly the standard of individuals the ADF is recruiting? It’s a disheartening reflection on our armed forces and a sad day for all Australians when this is the calibre of those entrusted with defending our nation.
‘This kind of conduct brings shame to an institution meant to uphold the highest standards of integrity and professionalism.’
The woman (pictured right), who calls herself Nikki on social media, was one of around 1,200 anti-war demonstrators who descended on the Land Forces 2024 weapons expo
Nikki, for her part, was undeterred by the criticism, describing her performance on SkyNews as ‘iconic’ (she is pictured returning for day two of the protests, this time with stickers that read ‘Air Force F**** and ‘F*** ISRL’)
Another critic, who claimed to be a former officer of cadets, acknowledged that young people can make ‘stupid decisions’ but said: ‘This is just damn disrespectful and needs to be addressed.
‘When you put on the uniform, cadet, OOC or ADF, you leave all political and personal opinions at home.’
Daily Mail Australia has approached the Australian Air Force Cadets.
Nikki told Daily Mail Australia she was not a cadet when approached for comment.
‘F*** Israel, f*** the news, f*** the system, f*** cadets, f*** the ADF,’ she responded, followed by a love heart emoji.
Indeed, she was undeterred by the criticism, describing her performance on SkyNews as ‘iconic’.
She complained on social media that ‘dumb brainwashed cadets are telling me I’m a disgrace for wearing ADF (Australian Defence Force) uniform when in reality they are supporting the murderers.’
She doubled down on the criticism by posting a selfie of her dressed in the same cadets uniform with more clown face paint and plastic goggles on her head.
She had updated her uniform with additional stickers that read ‘Air Force F****’, ‘Killer Rank’ and ‘FCK ISRL’.
The scenes at Wednesday’s protests quickly turned ugly, with some describing them as the worst riots in living memory
Two dozen officers required medical treatment, while 33 protesters were arrested for various offences, including arson and assaulting police
Nikki, whose online bio reads ‘have morals, be kind, free Palestine’, describes herself as a ‘Persian cosplayer’ and in one online profile is supportive of a ‘Free Iran’.
On Thursday morning, she posted another story which said: ‘Thank you anonymous few cadets who are in support.
‘I will keep you anonymous but let’s f*** them up from the inside out.’
Demonstrators set fire to bins and hurled horse manure, rocks, rotten apples and even acid at police in the violent protest.
Riot cops returned fire with rubber bullets and capsicum spray in response.
The scenes at Wednesday’s protests quickly turned ugly, with some describing them as the worst riots in living memory.
Two dozen officers required medical treatment, while 33 protesters were arrested for various offences, including arson and assaulting police.
Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Shane Patton lashed out at protesters, labelling them ‘hypocrites’ and claiming police showed ‘restraint’ in dealing with them.
Commissioner Patton said many of the protesters were intent on causing violence, despite it being an anti-war demonstration.
Her appearance in an Australian Air Force Cadets uniform sparked fury, with online commentators calling for her to be immediately kicked out of the youth military program
Nikki, whose online bio reads ‘have morals, be kind, free Palestine’, describes herself as a ‘Persian cosplayer’
‘They were standing there in full-face balaclavas with ski masks on. There was no snow there,’ he said.
He said that balloons were hurled at cops containing diluted acid, leaving some officers with rashes.
‘One was hit with a beer bottle. One had a full can of baked beans thrown at them. It was appalling behaviour,’ he said.
Commisioner Patton defended the actions of his officers and rubbished calls for an independent inquiry into their behaviour.
On Thursday morning, the protests continued with two ABC security guards seen brawling with aggressive demonstrators live on air.
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