Aussies' Racy Stunt at F1 Race Ends Badly

Government adviser among those arrested in Malaysia
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted Oct 5, 2016 12:49 PM CDT
Aussies' Racy Stunt at F1 Race Ends Badly
Australian men pose in swimsuits at the Malaysian Formula One Grand Prix in Sepang.   (AP Photo)

Nine Australians, including a government adviser, have been arrested in Malaysia for stripping down to their briefs and drinking beer from shoes after Australian driver Daniel Ricciardo won the Malaysian Formula One Grand Prix, officials tell the AP. Government officials say Jack Walker, adviser to Defense Industry Minister Chris Pyne, was among the men aged 25 to 29 who were arrested after they stripped down to swimsuits decorated with the Malaysian flag in full view of thousands of spectators at the Sepang race track Sunday. Pyne's office says the matter is being "handled appropriately" by the Australian High Commissioner in Malaysia.

The district police chief said Tuesday that the men were being investigated for "intentional insult with intent to provoke a breach of peace" and public indecency. Prosecutors are expected to decide Thursday if the men will be charged. They face up to six months in jail and a fine if found guilty. The head of Sepang International Circuit says the men deserve to be locked up. "This shows a huge lack of respect to us as Malaysians; this is stupid behavior from foreigners who have no sense of cultural sensitivity and respect," he says. "It gives Australians a bad name." Australia’s deputy prime minister says the men's decision to strip down was stupid but not malicious. "Stupidity? Obviously. Malice? No." (More weird crimes stories.)

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