Wallabies legend George Gregan has been accused of using ‘racist’ language in a text message exchange – as he allegedly schemed to overthrow a Jewish businessman from a fitness company.
The ex-Australian captain and former NSW Waratahs player Matthew Dixon allegedly planned to force Alexander Goldberg out from his own business, PTP Fitness, which he founded in 2010.
In text and WhatsApp messages that were tendered to court and obtained by Sky News journalist Caroline Marcus, Gregan allegedly sent an image of a Nazi warplanes to his partner Dixon and repeatedly called Mr Goldberg a ‘cockroach’.
Mr Goldberg’s barrister Robert Stitt QC tendered the online conversations to the Federal Court ahead of next month’s trial.
Wallabies legend George Gregan (pictured with his former wife Erica) has been accused of using ‘racist’ language in a text message exchange tendered to court
The ex-Australian captain allegedly schemed to overthrow a Jewish businessman from a fitness company
According to the court documents, a photo of a Nazi warplane was allegedly sent to Dixon on May 3, 2019, along with a URL defining ‘blitzkrieg’, which is a coordinated surprise military effort.
‘When we strike it’s going to be an avalanche… aka Blitzkrieg!’ Gregan allegedly wrote, in documents tendered to court.
In another text tendered to court, Gregan allegedly said: ‘We will drop the guillotine and hammer very soon to rid ourselves of this parasite.’
Dr Dvir Abramovich, Chairman of the Anti-Defamation Commission, Australia’s leading civil rights organisation, said there is never any justification for using Nazi imagery.
‘It is unacceptable, it is not who we are as a nation, and it should be condemned,’ he said.
Dr Abramovich said Hitler called Jews parasites in his book Mein Kampf and Nazi propaganda often referred to them as parasites that ‘had to be destroyed’.
‘Since then, this ugly term has become a favourite among antisemites and white supremacists who see the Jews as malevolent parasites, and these descriptions often appear in their writings and speeches,’ he said in a statement to Daily Mail Australia.
‘The Nazis, who did not consider the Jews as human and worthy of life and dignity, dehumanised their victims by labelling them cockroaches and rats.
According to the court documents, a photo of a Nazi warplane was allegedly sent to Dixon on May 3, 2019, along with a URL defining ‘blitzkrieg’, which is a coordinated surprise military effort
In another text tendered to court, Gregan allegedly said: ‘We will drop the guillotine and hammer very soon to rid ourselves of this parasite’
Gregan allegedly sent an image of a Nazi warplanes to his partner Dixon and repeatedly called Mr Goldberg a ‘cockroach’
‘These terms are racist, they are hateful and un-Australian, and should be rejected outright.’
When Mr Stitt presented the alleged exchanges to court during a pre-trial hearing, he reportedly declared they were malicious and highly personal.
PTP Fitness was launched over a decade ago by Mr Goldberg.
Gregan was brought into the business initially as an ambassador by his friend Dixon, who is the brother-in-law of Mr Goldberg.
‘Shortly after its inception, in 2010, George Gregan, World Champion, World Record Holder and former Australian Wallabies Captain, joined forces, bringing his valuable long-time fitness experience and passion,’ the website reads.
‘Having pursued a successful international career as a rugby athlete in Australia, France and Japan, George contributed to develop the highest quality products that would make state of the art training accessible to all, via easy-to-follow workout programmes and instructional advice.
Gregan is pictured in Sydney in 2017 for the Public Memorial for former Australian Rugby Union player Dan Vickerman
In text and WhatsApp messages that were tendered to court and obtained by Sky News journalist Caroline Marcus, Gregan allegedly sent an image of a Nazi warplanes to his partner Dixon and repeatedly called Mr Goldberg a ‘cockroach’
‘From that point on, the brand continued to innovate and gained popularity for its great attention to design, functionality and accessible educational content.’
The business’s products are stocked in Rebel Sport and on The Iconic.
Gregan became a director in 2019, which was the same year Mr Goldberg’s employment was terminated.
He claims it was wrongful termination as he was on leave following his partner giving birth.
Gregan and Dixon, who deny the allegations against them, have launched their own cross-claim, which alleges Mr Goldberg breached his duties as a director.
The case will return to court on June 15.