Why Ben Cousins' Speaking Event Was Cancelled at the Last Minute

A planned public speaking event featuring former AFL player Ben Cousins has been abruptly cancelled after facing fierce backlash from the local community in Ballarat, regional Victoria.

The event, titled "Raw," was scheduled to take place at the George Hotel, with Cousins advertised to speak about his time in jail, his departure from the AFL, and his personal journey. However, heavy public pressure forced management to pull the plug just hours before showtime.

What Happened in Ballarat

The George Hotel issued an apology via social media roughly 3.5 hours before the event was set to begin. Management admitted responsibility for the booking, stating they understood the "anger, disappointment and hurt expressed" by residents.

Tickets for the evening were priced at $49, with a $99 option that included a photo opportunity with Cousins. Promoted by Z Entertainment, the tour was designed to hit multiple Victorian locations, including Geelong, Sunbury, and Seaford. Following the backlash, the George Hotel confirmed it held no ticket funds, made no revenue from the event, and is now reviewing how it vets future speakers and performers.

Why the Community Objected

The strong local reaction is deeply tied to recent history in the region. Ballarat was severely impacted by gendered violence following the high-profile deaths of three local women in quick succession.

Community advocates argued that platforming Cousins—who was sentenced to 12 months in prison in 2017 for aggravated stalking and breaching a family violence restraining order—insulted local victim-survivors.

Katrina Bevelander, manager of the Ballarat Centre Against Sexual Assault, pointed out that the community continues to grapple with family violence rates higher than the state average. She noted that allowing a public figure with a history of domestic offenses to profit from speaking engagements undermines local prevention work.

Moving Forward

Respect Victoria director Beth McCann praised the decision to scrap the event, stating it proved "a good footy career doesn't outweigh a history of gendered violence."

The George Hotel confirmed it is overhauling its booking protocols to prevent similar controversies, while local support services continue pushing for accountability and awareness across the region.