‘Democracy Manifest’ icon Jack Karlson dies aged 82

Ta ta and farewell

Jack Karlson, popularly known as 'Democracy Manifest guy', passed away on Wednesday (August 7), according to his family.

Karlson has long been an icon in internet circles for his dramatic response to his arrest outside of a Chinese restaurant in Brisbane in 1991.

“What is the charge? Eating a meal? A succulent Chinese meal” Karlson intones dramatically while resisting being put in a police car.

The viral clip birthed a handful of classic lines including "get your hands off my penis" and "ah yes, I see that you know your Judo well".

Karlson's family said they were with him in hospital when he died on Wednesday, reports SBS News.

He was battling many health conditions, but had succumbed to systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS).