Former AFL player Ben Cousins's event cancelled after community backlash

A planned event featuring former AFL player Ben Cousins in Ballarat, Victoria, has been cancelled due to community backlash over Cousins' history of domestic violence. Cousins was sentenced to 12 months in prison in 2017 for aggravated stalking and breaching a family violence restraining order. The George Hotel in Ballarat, which was hosting the event, released a statement apologising for the decision to cancel the event and acknowledging the anger, disappointment, and hurt expressed by the community.

The event, titled "Raw," was set to detail Cousins' time in jail, his exile from the AFL community, and his journey to redemption. Promotional material for the event labelled Cousins an "icon." The cancellation comes amid ongoing efforts to address domestic violence in Ballarat, which has seen a slight increase in family violence incidents in 2025 compared to the previous year.

Local community organizations, such as Ballarat Centre Against Sexual Assault, expressed relief at the decision to cancel the event and emphasized the need for platforms to be given to individuals who have truly taken accountability for their past behaviors.