A viral incident outside a Melbourne strip club has resulted in the termination of a company executive after he allegedly hurled a chair at a colleague, knocking him unconscious. The incident, which occurred on the night of January 30, 2023, has sparked an ongoing police investigation as authorities work to understand the events that unfolded.
Tony Rogers, 58, was involved in a confrontation at Bar 20 alongside a workmate when tensions escalated. According to reports, both men became disruptive, demanding a barmaid to “open the f–king beer.” Following complaints from staff, security was called in to remove them from the premises.
After being ejected onto King Street, Rogers reportedly walked into a nearby restaurant, seized a dining chair, and threw it in a fit of anger. The chair struck his colleague in the back of the head, resulting in an injury that has since attracted significant social media attention, with footage of the incident viewed by over 27 million people.
Corporate Response and Investigation
Both men were employed by Vereinigte Spezialmöbelfabrike (VS), a well-known German furniture manufacturer with a history spanning nearly 130 years. Following the incident, the company released a statement acknowledging the situation and confirming that Rogers is no longer with the organization. A spokesperson for VS remarked, “While the incident occurred outside of business hours and was not related to a work event, the conduct shown was unacceptable and contrary to our values.”
The spokesperson further noted that both individuals involved had expressed regret over their actions. The company emphasized its commitment to maintaining a safe and respectful workplace.
Rogers held the position of sales director at VS and had a lengthy career in the furniture industry. Prior to joining VS, he spent over 17 years as the director and general manager of Woods Furniture. He also served as a director and vice chair of the Australian Furniture Association.
Police Investigation Continues
Victoria Police are actively investigating the incident, with the Divisional Licensing Unit still gathering evidence. They confirmed that Rogers was interviewed on February 3, 2023, and that he is expected to receive an infringement notice in connection with the event. The police have not yet established contact with Rogers’ colleague and are urging him to come forward for questioning.
Bar 20 co-owner Michael Trimble recounted that the confrontation escalated rapidly, noting that it took staff eight minutes to eject the two men from the bar. He described the atmosphere as aggressive from the outset, with staff feeling uncomfortable with the men’s behavior.
Trimble highlighted an ironic twist to the story, mentioning that the man who was struck had returned to the bar to apologize for Rogers’ conduct moments before the chair was thrown. “He was standing there apologising for his mate’s behaviour,” Trimble said.
The incident has raised questions about workplace conduct and the responsibilities of employers in managing employee behavior, even outside of office hours. As the investigation progresses, both the company and the police are keen to ensure that such incidents do not recur.
The story, which began as a local dispute, has now captured the attention of millions, serving as a reminder of how quickly actions can lead to significant consequences in both personal and professional spheres.
