The man behind Australia’s most viral meme dies at 82

The seminal moment has inspired thousands of memes, musical remixes, reaction videos and even a few tattoos. Democracy Manifest is also the name of a purebred Australian racehorse.

Karlson – who had been battling prostate cancer in recent years – had captivated the nation’s media again in June, after he reunited with one of the policemen, Stoll Watt, who had arrested him that fateful day, to announce an upcoming documentary into his obscure and colourful life.

Although he was a convicted criminal, Karlson has always maintained that the 1991 incident was a case of mistaken identity.

“They thought I was some international gangster”, he said at the time.

“Typical police grabbing you — if they can put something on you, they’ll do it.”

In a recent interview with ABC News, Karlson described his long life as one of adventure. It reportedly included three jail breaks, multiple run-ins with authorities and even a period as one of Brisbane’s most prolific restaurant dine and dashers.

Those who knew him though, say his childhood was akin to a Charles Dickens tragedy – describing a youth spent in and out of care homes and government institutions.

Tributes have flooded social media following the news of his passing.

“Sad news: Mr Democracy Manifest has died. The cultural icon, whose arrest inspired a thousand t-shirts and millions of downloads, had advanced cancer,” Australian journalist Chris Reason wrote.

“His immortal words will echo through generations.”

Mr Watt – who formed a close friendship with Karlson since their reunion – remembered the 82-year-old as a “larger than life” figure “with a big heart”.

“It’s a sad day for Australia. We’ve just lost a true colourful character,” he told the ABC.