MELBOURNE, Australia: In an Australian court on Monday, Ebony Bell, 28, faced charges related to an alleged assault on independent Senator Lidia Thorpe that occurred during an Australian Rules Football match in Melbourne last May.
Bell, appearing via video, faces charges of recklessly causing injury and unlawful assault, which reportedly resulted in serious neck injuries for Thorpe.
Although police described the senator’s injuries as “minor,” Thorpe later stated that her injuries required spinal surgery, challenging the official report.
Bell’s lawyer, Manny Nicolosi, hinted at potential issues with the prosecution’s case and mentioned an unresolved plea deal. Meanwhile, Bell remains on bail, with her next hearing scheduled for November 22.
This case comes amid heightened media focus on Thorpe, who recently attracted attention after vocally protesting King Charles III during his visit to Australia.
Thorpe’s actions, including accusations of colonial violence and demands for Indigenous sovereignty, sparked significant public debate.
The opposition party has since called for Thorpe’s resignation due to her vocal opposition to the monarchy, citing her history of protest actions as evidence of her confrontational approach.
Thorpe, who recently revealed the extent of her injuries, has not confirmed if she will attend the next Senate session in person, leaving questions about her political future open amid public criticism.
