A YouTube comedian has been accused of racism, after appearing to mock the accents of NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Deputy Premier John Barilaro.
Jordan Shanks, who is known as ‘Friendlyjordies’ on YouTube, has shared videos taking aim at the NSW Government’s handling of the recent bushfire crisis, including an interview with leader of the opposition Jodi McKay.
Shanks has referred to Berejiklian as a “koala killer”.
The comments drew the attention of Barilaro, who referred to the remarks in an interview with 2GB’s Ben Fordham.
In another video, Shanks responds to Barilaro in an exaggerated accent.
Speaking to the Daily Telegraph, Barilaro suggested the impersonation had “racist undertones”.
“I don’t mind taking the mickey out of myself, but this is actually very offensive,” Barilaro told the paper.
“It’s a low attempt at comedy and full of racist undertones.”
Barilaro was born to Italian parents.
In another video, Shanks also appeared to mock the accent of Berejiklian, who is of Armenian descent.
“To imitate both myself and the Premier with such obvious distaste for our backgrounds is unacceptable,” Barilaro continued.
“Our migrant story is actually the Australian success story, one this nation is proud of.”
Shanks has responded to the accusations, sharing the below image to his Twitter page.
HOLY SHIT… EXPOSED! pic.twitter.com/1aSWN72hBB
— friendlyjordies (@friendlyjordies) June 21, 2020
It is not the first time Shanks has drawn the attention of Australian politicians.
Last year Clive Palmer initiated legal proceeding against the YouTuber for posting a video that described him as a “Fatty McF**khead” and “a dense Humpty Dumpty”.
