A woman appeared in court on Monday over an alleged assault on Senator Lidia Thorpe, an Indigenous rights advocate who recently protested King Charles III during his Australian visit. Ebony Bell, 28, faces charges of recklessly causing injury and unlawful assault after an incident at an Australian Rules Football match in May.
Thorpe, 51, reported that the injuries sustained during the assault required spinal surgery, though police described her injuries as “minor.” Bell’s lawyer questioned the prosecution’s case, mentioning a plea deal was under consideration and citing recent threats against Bell as the reason for her video appearance in court.
The court case follows Thorpe’s high-profile protest last week, where she confronted King Charles in Canberra, shouting, “You are not our king. You are not sovereign.” The protest sparked calls from opposition members for her resignation, criticizing her confrontational stance toward Australia’s head of state.
Thorpe, known for her activism, faced scrutiny earlier this year for missing multiple Senate sessions due to her injury recovery. She clarified that medical advice had required her absence and that she preferred to keep the details private.
The senator has also faced recent controversy for allegedly mispronouncing her allegiance oath, reportedly saying “hairs” instead of “heirs” to avoid recognizing King Charles. Legal experts clarified that the mispronunciation would not impact her affirmation, as she also signed a written oath with correct wording.
Thorpe, 51, reported that the injuries sustained during the assault required spinal surgery, though police described her injuries as “minor.” Bell’s lawyer questioned the prosecution’s case, mentioning a plea deal was under consideration and citing recent threats against Bell as the reason for her video appearance in court.
The court case follows Thorpe’s high-profile protest last week, where she confronted King Charles in Canberra, shouting, “You are not our king. You are not sovereign.” The protest sparked calls from opposition members for her resignation, criticizing her confrontational stance toward Australia’s head of state.
Thorpe, known for her activism, faced scrutiny earlier this year for missing multiple Senate sessions due to her injury recovery. She clarified that medical advice had required her absence and that she preferred to keep the details private.
The senator has also faced recent controversy for allegedly mispronouncing her allegiance oath, reportedly saying “hairs” instead of “heirs” to avoid recognizing King Charles. Legal experts clarified that the mispronunciation would not impact her affirmation, as she also signed a written oath with correct wording.
