Media Mogul Antony Catalano Resigns Amid Assault Allegations and Rehab Entry
Antony Catalano, the prominent co-owner and chairman of Australian Community Media (ACM), has announced his immediate resignation from all roles following serious criminal charges. The 59-year-old executive faces allegations of assault, false imprisonment, and making threats to kill, stemming from an incident in Melbourne where he allegedly dragged a woman through her apartment and swung a clothes iron at her head.
Court Proceedings and Bail Conditions
Catalano appeared in court via video-link from a police station on Friday night, where he was granted bail despite objections from law enforcement. Police argued he posed a significant risk of reoffending or fleeing Victoria, but the court imposed strict conditions. He must surrender his passport, report regularly to police, avoid contact with the alleged victim, and comply with a curfew.
According to a police summary presented during the hearing, the woman suffered a fractured coccyx after being dragged by her hair and ankles. The document detailed that Catalano allegedly grabbed a clothes iron in the laundry area and held it toward her head, prompting her to grab it herself. His barrister, Jason Gullaci SC, noted that while CCTV confirmed contact, the claim of a forceful swing was not in the official summary.
Catalano's Statement and Rehabilitation Plans
In a statement released on Saturday, Catalano expressed profound remorse, stating, 'I am deeply ashamed and humiliated.' He revealed that close family and friends had urged him to seek professional help for some time, with interventions occurring prior to this incident. Catalano acknowledged ignoring this advice and attempting to conceal ongoing mental health and substance abuse issues.
He announced a six-month break from all business commitments to focus on recovery, including entering a rehabilitation program. This decision follows his recent birthday celebration on Wednesday, marking a turning point in his personal and professional life.
Company Response and Leadership Changes
ACM managing director Tony Kendall informed staff that Catalano had been placed on immediate leave while the legal matter proceeds through the courts. In a message to employees, Kendall addressed potential concerns, saying, 'I understand that our staff may be concerned and distressed by this news. Please be assured that the executive leadership teams are focused on upholding our company’s values.' He added that the company would refrain from further public comment during the ongoing case.
Background and Business Interests
Catalano, a father of nine with a clean criminal history, has significant property and business interests. He resigned as chief executive of property listings company Domain in 2018 after an executive role at Fairfax Media. In 2019, he and billionaire investor Alex Waislitz acquired ACM in a deal worth $115 million. ACM's portfolio includes regional newspapers such as the Newcastle Herald, Illawarra Mercury, Canberra Times, and The Examiner in Launceston.
During the bail hearing, Gullaci emphasized Catalano's integral role in these ventures, arguing against custody due to his lack of prior offenses. The case is set to return to court on May 11, where further developments will be addressed.
