Footage has emerged of a woman verbally abusing an Asian motorist with racist remarks, telling them to "go back to China" outside a Bunnings store in Hawthorn, Melbourne. The confrontation, captured on video and shared on Reddit by the motorist's son, shows the woman hurling insults through the driver's open window.
The motorist's son stated that the incident began when the woman allegedly attempted to merge into his parents' lane without signaling and sounded her horn. The video shows the woman then blocking the car's path after the motorist's mother began filming.
"She proceeded to block them from parking in a spot with her car, and then mum pulled out her phone and this video occurred," the son wrote on Reddit, describing the encounter as "straight up just unAustralian."
In a statement to News.com.au, the woman, who was not named, expressed regret for her words and stated that she is "in no way a racist." She described the exchange as a "heated discussion" and claimed the motorist had "deliberately" cut her off. She also reported receiving abuse online since the video was posted.
The motorist's family, who have lived in Australia for nearly 30 years, were reportedly upset by the incident, which they believe highlights a rise in public racism. Victoria Police and Bunnings have been contacted for comment.