Residents in the town of Emerald, located southeast of Melbourne, Australia, have voiced outrage after two individuals were observed wearing Halloween costumes that resembled those associated with the Ku Klux Klan. The costumes, featuring white robes and pointed hooded masks, were seen on Saturday evening in Emerald and neighboring towns.
A photograph of the individuals was shared on a local community Facebook group, prompting strong negative reactions. "If you were in this costume and you belong to this page then you should be ashamed of yourself," one anonymous resident wrote. "No one wants to see this and it’s completely inappropriate. Feel free to pack up and leave the area."
Daniela De Martino, the local Labor MP for Monbulk, condemned the costumes as "abhorrent and offensive." She stated, "The KKK represents hate, racism and bigotry in its ugliest form. I condemn this in the strongest possible terms."
The individuals in costume were reportedly seen near the Emerald RSL club, though there is no suggestion of any connection to the club itself, which was hosting its annual Halloween event.
A local councillor confirmed that multiple residents had contacted him with concerns about the costumes, and the issue is expected to be raised at a Cardinia Shire Council briefing. The post detailing the incident garnered hundreds of comments before it was deleted. The image has also circulated on social media chats linked to far-right figures, although there is no indication that the individuals in the costumes subscribe to neo-Nazi ideologies.
A Victoria Police spokesperson stated they could not comment without a confirmed complaint. The report notes that Victoria has introduced laws banning Nazi symbols and gestures and has strengthened vilification laws targeting hate speech and conduct. The article also references a 2025 case where a man was charged for allegedly wearing a KKK outfit and abusing people on Halloween night.