Jack Karlson: Jack Karlson, man behind ‘Succulent Chinese Meal’ ‘Democracy Manifest’ viral video dies at 82

Jack Karlson, the man famously known for the viral “democracy manifest” clip, passed away at the age of 82 from prostate cancer. Karlson gained internet fame for his dramatic arrest at a Brisbane restaurant in 1991, which was later revealed to be a case of mistaken identity. His niece, Kim Edwards, had recently started a GoFundMe to support his medical bills before his death.
Karlson became an internet sensation after a video of his 1991 arrest went viral in 2009. In the footage, he flamboyantly resisted arrest while dining at a Brisbane restaurant, delivering several memorable lines.

Police entered the restaurant and dragged Karlson from his seat, suspecting him of being an international criminal who robbed restaurants. The mistaken identity led to a dramatic scene captured on camera. As he was being taken to a police car, Karlson turned to the news camera and exclaimed, “Gentlemen, this is democracy manifest. Have a look at the headlock here.”
Another memorable line from the incident was, “Get your hand off my penis! This is the bloke who got me on the penis, people.” Karlson continued questioning the police officers and famously asked, “What is the charge? Eating a meal? A succulent Chinese meal?” He also remarked, “That’s a nice headlock, Sir. Ah, I see that you know your judo well.”
Karlson’s arrest became one of the most iconic memes of the early internet era after the video resurfaced nearly two decades later. Multiple uploads and edits of the video have collectively garnered hundreds of millions of views.
Seven Network reporter Chris Reason, who reported on the incident, recently recounted how he was tipped off that one of Queensland’s most wanted men had used a stolen credit card to pay for his meal. Reason hurried to the venue to witness the arrest unfold.
Kim Edwards, Karlson’s niece, launched a GoFundMe campaign in June to raise funds for her uncle’s treatment. On the page, she wrote, “My name is Kim and I am the niece of Jack Karlson. You might know him as the man who ate a Succulent Chinese Meal or Mr Democracy Manifest.”
She further explained, “He has recently been diagnosed with prostate cancer and is also in need of surgery on his cataracts. I know Jack’s video has given a lot of people joy and he has inspired many memes, T-shirts and other things over the years, but Jack himself is doing it quite tough. He has never had much money but has always been generous to family and friends. He lives week-to-week in regional Queensland with the help of a voluntary carer. Hoping people can dig deep, I think he’s worth at least a beer, maybe even a six-pack.”
Edwards stated that the donations would be used to cover medical bills, transport to and from the doctor, and general living costs while Karlson fought cancer. The campaign’s goal was set at AU$50,000 ($54,362), and as of August 8, it had raised over $8572 for Karlson.
Last week his niece said Karlson wasn’t doing well in an update to the fundraiser.
She wrote, “He has been in Hospital for two weeks now. He has had multiple procedures but things are not looking good. One thing that did lift his spirits was that the GoFundMe was taking off. He has been really appreciative of the donations and the comments.”
A documentary about Karlson, The Man Who Ate a Succulent Chinese Meal, is set for release in 2025.