Premium Content:

Man Claims He Was Forced to Strip at Mardi Gras

Pictured Above: Previous claims of police brutality at the popular gay and lesbian festival.
Pictured Above: Previous claims of police brutality at the popular gay and lesbian festival went viral on social networks.

There has been another report of police abusing power during the 2013 Mardi Gras festival, with a third case claiming a man was forced to strip off in front of bystanders to partake in a drug search.

The investigation has been launched after 55 year old Gary Leeson, alleged he was “bullied” and “humiliated” whilst picking up his Mardi Gras tickets at 4:30pm, Friday February 23rd.

- Advertisement -

Speaking to news.com.au, Leeson claims he was approached by a sniffer dog at the gates of the Sydney Mardi Gras Habour Party and taken into an enclosure for a full search. With a gap in the tarpaulin, Leeson alleges people could see inside whilst the police said “now drop your pants”. Leeson claims he was asked to do so after repeatedly stating he was not in possession of drugs.

Leeson alleges that he was accused of lying by the police and that people passing by could “[see] my bare butt… I was not comfortable with that at all”, he said.

“It’s a complete abuse of their powers… I feel embarrassed and humiliated”.

Now a subject of internal investigation, NSW police are refusing to comment on the specifics of the case.

You can read our previous story of alleged police brutality at the 2013 Sydney Mardi Gras Festival here.

Nadine Walker

Latest

Thorne Harbour Health CEO Simon Ruth to step down

Ruth has lead the Victorian based organisation for 12 years.

Walkern Wirin: Boorloo Blak Pride will be part of PrideFEST 2025

An event to honour all LGBTIQA+ First Nations people, alongside their supportive friends and family.

Associate Professor Michelle Telfer nominated for Human Rights Award

See all the nominees for the 2025 Human Rights Awards.

Decibel’s acclaimed ‘Inland Lake’ returns to Perth with immersive 3D projection design and film

The performance is a not-to-missed experience for music lovers.

Newsletter

Don't miss

Thorne Harbour Health CEO Simon Ruth to step down

Ruth has lead the Victorian based organisation for 12 years.

Walkern Wirin: Boorloo Blak Pride will be part of PrideFEST 2025

An event to honour all LGBTIQA+ First Nations people, alongside their supportive friends and family.

Associate Professor Michelle Telfer nominated for Human Rights Award

See all the nominees for the 2025 Human Rights Awards.

Decibel’s acclaimed ‘Inland Lake’ returns to Perth with immersive 3D projection design and film

The performance is a not-to-missed experience for music lovers.

Anti-trans activists criticised Yungblud for inviting a young trans fan on stage, except it wasn’t true

The young girl's mother has called for the cyberbullying of her child to cease.

Thorne Harbour Health CEO Simon Ruth to step down

Ruth has lead the Victorian based organisation for 12 years.

Walkern Wirin: Boorloo Blak Pride will be part of PrideFEST 2025

An event to honour all LGBTIQA+ First Nations people, alongside their supportive friends and family.

Associate Professor Michelle Telfer nominated for Human Rights Award

See all the nominees for the 2025 Human Rights Awards.