Ben Cousins Dropped From Ballarat Speaking Event After Domestic Violence Backlash

The George Hotel in Ballarat cancelled a public speaking event featuring former AFL player Ben Cousins on September 16, just hours before he was due to take the stage. The venue pulled the plug after community backlash over Cousins’ 2017 conviction for aggravated stalking and breaching a family violence restraining order, plus a 2020 sentence for stalking a former partner. Tickets were priced at $49, with a $99 meet-and-greet option.

Why the event was cancelled

The George Hotel apologized in a social media statement, saying it had heard the “anger, disappointment and hurt” from the community. The pub acknowledged that giving Cousins a platform carried “particular significance for women, victim-survivors and others affected by domestic violence.” Management admitted the decision to book him had not considered the event’s broader community impact. The Ballarat region recorded 2,953 family violence incidents in the year ending December 2025, above the state average.

Cousins’ criminal history

Cousins was sentenced to 12 months prison in 2017 after pleading guilty to aggravated stalking, breaching a violence restraining order, and drug possession. A magistrate said he had subjected his former partner to “nine months of terror.” He received a second sentence of seven months in 2020 over charges relating to stalking the same former partner. The speaking tour was billed as his account of jail time, AFL exile, and “journey to redemption.”

Community and advocacy response

Ballarat Centre Against Sexual Assault manager Katrina Bevelander called the event “really tone deaf” and said it was a “slap in the face” to victim-survivors. She questioned whether Cousins had taken full accountability for his behaviour, noting he was profiting from it. Respect Victoria director Beth McCann said the cancellation was “an important step towards creating a Ballarat where everyone is safe, respected and free from violence.” The community is now calling for the remaining stops on the Victorian tour, including Geelong, Seaford, and Sunbury, to be cancelled.

The George Hotel’s new vetting process

The pub said it would review how prospective speakers, performers, booking agents, and partners are assessed. A strengthened process will include documented due diligence, consideration of publicly available information, and assessment of potential community impact before any engagement is confirmed. Where appropriate and lawful, additional checks will also be undertaken. The hotel took full responsibility for the booking decision.

Final Thoughts

The cancellation signals growing scrutiny of platforms given to figures with domestic violence convictions, even after prison time. Advocates argue that profiting from such a history without demonstrated accountability sends the wrong message to survivors and communities.

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