Ballarat Hotel Cancels Ben Cousins 'Raw' Event After Backlash
The George Hotel in Ballarat cancelled Ben Cousins' speaking show 'Raw' on September 16, a little over three and a half hours before it was due to start that evening.
The venue posted the decision on social media on the afternoon of the event. It apologised for agreeing to host the former West Coast and Richmond player and said management took responsibility for the booking, according to ABC News.
"We have heard the anger disappointment and hurt expressed," the hotel said. It added that choices about who is given a public platform carry particular significance for women, victim-survivors and others affected by domestic violence.
The backlash centred on Cousins' criminal history. In 2017 he received a 12-month prison sentence for aggravated stalking and breaching a violence restraining order.
Tickets had been advertised at $49, or $99 with a photo with Cousins. The Ballarat date was promoted online by Z Entertainment as part of a Victorian run that also listed Geelong, Seaford and Sunbury.
Local services had criticised the booking. Ballarat Centre Against Sexual Assault manager Katrina Bevelander said she was relieved the event would not go ahead. She described the plan as "tone deaf".
Her response reflects wider concern in the city. Crime figures for the year to December 2025 recorded 2,953 family violence incidents in the Ballarat region, up from 2,926 the year before. The Victorian government has committed $9.8 million over four years to Respect Ballarat, a domestic violence prevention and early intervention program.
This was the second Cousins appearance cancelled within weeks, according to the Herald Sun. Earlier in September, Cousins was removed as a guest speaker from a Melbourne boys' school alumni event after the principal intervened over serious concerns about prior criminal convictions.
The George Hotel said it did not receive, hold or process ticket-sale funds and had made no revenue from the event. It said it had started a review of how prospective speakers, performers, booking agents and other partners are assessed.
