Man Ordered to Take Off MAGA Hat at Melbourne Restaurant, Sparking Political Controversy
The incident took place in St. Kilda, a well-off and left-leaning suburb in inner-city Melbourne.
Another hospitality group in St. Kilda is facing controversy for threatening to remove a regular customer wearing a red Donald Trump “MAGA” cap.
Angelo Notta, 45, was at the Captain Baxter establishment on Australia Day celebrating a friend’s birthday.
His celebration was interrupted when the venue manager asked him to take off his cap with “Make America Great Again” printed on it.
This marks the second time in recent weeks that a licensed establishment in this upscale suburb made negative headlines.
Notta arrived at Captain Baxter at 5:30 p.m. on the 26th and was asked to remove his distinctive red cap about 10 minutes later because it was deemed “provocative of political violence.”
Surprisingly, Notta had worn the same cap at Captain Baxter before without any issue.
The venue, situated in the progressive St. Kilda area, known for its strong support for Greens candidates.
People enjoy St Kilda beach in Melbourne, Australia.Daniel Pockett/Getty Images
Notta expressed surprise at being asked to remove the hat, as he had worn it multiple times before without issue.
He clarified that the hat was a gift from a friend in the USA and it was not meant to offend anyone.
A man wears a ‘Make America Great Again’ hat.George Frey/Getty Images
Notta mentioned that he had never faced backlash for wearing the MAGA hat before this incident.
After being asked to remove it, Notta complied to avoid trouble, and later, his friend was also asked to remove the hat by security.
The Epoch Times reached out to Captain Baxter for comment on the evening of Jan. 27.
However, Captain Baxter’s website states an anti-discrimination policy emphasizing that they respect and celebrate community diversity.
Australian Indie Singer ‘Cancelled’ For Wearing MAGA Hat
The incident with Notta reminded many of the backlash Australian indie singer Hayley Mary faced last year for wearing a MAGA hat.
Mary shared the image post-election to condemn Australia’s proposed Misinformation Bill, but faced severe backlash and cancellation in the music industry.
Her band, The Jezabels, made a statement denouncing the far-right and their efforts to dictate free speech.
‘We Need More Politicians Like Trump’: Notta
Notta expressed his support for Trump and the need for more patriotic politicians like him in Australia.
He praised Trump’s America-first actions such as border control, distancing from the World Health Organization, and reaffirming the binary gender concept.
Notta admired Trump’s love for the country and prioritizing his people.
St. Kilda Residents Feeling the Pinch from Youth Crime
St. Kilda falls into the progressive Macnamara federal seat, dominated historically by the Greens over the Liberal Party.
Residents have raised concerns over crime, leading to a “Make Port Phillip Safer” rally with local and federal politicians in attendance.
The region seeks change after decades of Labor rule in Macnamara, highlighting the urgency for addressing crime issues and promoting safer communities.
