Neo-Nazi Associate Claims Responsibility for Offensive Melbourne Posters
Melbourne’s art scene has been marred by a disturbing act of vandalism, with a young associate of neo-Nazi circles claiming responsibility for defacing public spaces with offensive posters. Approximately 50 imitation prints, mimicking the style of Adelaide artist Peter Drew’s well-known “Aussie” series, were discovered plastered across various locations in the Melbourne Central Business District (CBD) in late January. However, instead of celebrating Australia’s multicultural tapestry, these doctored artworks featured the face of Naveed Akram, one of the alleged perpetrators of the recent Bondi terror attack that tragically claimed 15 lives and left 40 others injured.
The shocking defacement was brought to light in a video shared on YouTube, where 21-year-old Hugo Lennon, operating under the online moniker “auspill,” asserted his involvement. The video depicts Lennon and an unidentified right-wing associate, both clad in high-visibility jackets, standing before one of the altered posters. The campaign of offensive imagery extended beyond the Bondi incident, with other co-opted posters displaying the likenesses of figures such as former US President Donald Trump and Man Haron Monis, the individual responsible for the 2014 Lindt Cafe siege.
A Twisted Artistic “Inquiry”
In his video, Lennon described the posters as “symbols within a visual inquiry,” aiming to “interrogate the frameworks that shape modern Australia.” The caption accompanying the video further stated that the individuals depicted were “not presented as heroes, villains or moral examples.” This statement appears to be a deliberate attempt to mock the original artist’s intentions and the underlying message of Drew’s artwork, which sought to provoke thought and dialogue about Australian identity and history.
Hugo Lennon is a Melbourne-based individual who initially gained online traction by sharing content related to fitness, healthy living, and even unconventional wellness advice. His online persona has since shifted dramatically, now focusing on anti-mass-immigration rhetoric and other far-right ideologies. Records indicate that Lennon is a graduate of Scotch College, a prestigious private school in Melbourne’s southeast. His family background also reveals connections to prominent business circles; he is the grandson of Tony Lennon, the former president of the Perth-based development firm Peet, and his father, Anthony, remains a non-executive director of the company.
Alleged Ties to Extremist Groups
Further raising concerns, Lennon is reportedly linked to the neo-Nazi group, the National Socialist Network. He is also alleged to have been involved in the organisation of a “March for Australia” event in Melbourne in 2025, suggesting a pattern of engagement with extremist ideologies and activities.
Police Investigation and Community Condemnation
Victoria Police have confirmed they are actively investigating the appearance of these concerning posters. A police spokesperson stated that officers were alerted to “several posters of concern” that appeared in Richmond, the CBD, and surrounding areas over the January long weekend. The police have been reviewing CCTV footage and are continuing their inquiries into potential offences, including illegal billposting and other more serious charges. Collaboration with the Melbourne City Council is underway, and the public has been urged to report any relevant information to Crime Stoppers.
The defaced posters have been met with widespread condemnation. Melbourne’s Lord Mayor, Nick Reece, described the act as “just sick” and immediately ordered the removal of the offensive material. Speaking to local media in early February, Mr. Reece highlighted the importance of Drew’s original artwork, calling it a “powerful provocation about Australia’s history and national identity” and “great art” that exemplifies the role of street art in political discourse and social activism.
Lord Mayor Reece firmly rejected any notion that the hijacked posters could be construed as an artistic statement. He characterised them as a “deliberate and organised exercise to shock and spread hate,” stating unequivocally that such material would not be tolerated on the city’s walls. The appropriation of Drew’s work to spread messages of hatred and division was deemed “absolutely abhorrent,” particularly given the ongoing grief within the community following the Bondi attack. He emphasised that the use of the Bondi shooter’s image was deeply insensitive to the families and friends of the victims, including a 10-year-old girl who lost her life.
A Coordinated Effort and Zero Tolerance
Mr. Reece asserted that there was “no possible universe” where the copycat posters could be viewed as a legitimate artistic response. He reiterated that the act was a calculated attempt to incite shock and disseminate hate, and that Melbourne would not tolerate such “crap” on its streets. The council acted swiftly, with the posters being removed within an hour of being reported. CCTV footage has reportedly captured clear images of the perpetrators, indicating a “co-ordinated effort” involving approximately 50 posters. The council’s stance is one of “whatever it takes” to prevent hateful and racist material from being displayed, even for a short period.
Artist’s Disappointment and Call for Maturity
Peter Drew, the original artist whose work was co-opted, expressed his disappointment, labelling Lennon’s actions as “sad.” Drew commented that the young men involved have their “whole lives ahead of them” but are “throwing it all away for online clout.” He wished they had a more mature influence in their lives to guide them away from glorifying acts of terror. Drew suggested that their actions stemmed from a desire for attention rather than genuine patriotism, stating, “They pretend to love Australia but really they just love attention. They’re not real patriots.” He found solace in the fact that the posters were not created by individuals with significant influence or serious intent.
Lord Mayor Reece echoed this sentiment, urging the young men to “grow up and realise that their actions have very serious consequences for a community that is grieving.” He stated they “should be ashamed of themselves,” labelling the incident as a “clear assault on the Jewish community and Australian values.” He expressed his satisfaction that the police are treating the matter with the seriousness it deserves.
