LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
Reggie the Rabbit mascot performer, Charlie Gallico, issued an apology to a young boy named Benji Agius after a video surfaced showing him pushing the child during a sideline incident at Shark Park.
Gallico, who has been portraying the mascot for South Sydney since 2002, admitted that his actions were wrong and expressed regret for his behavior.
He emphasized that the child did nothing wrong and should not have been treated the way he was.
In his statement, Gallico acknowledged his mistake and asked for forgiveness from Benji and his parents.
He admitted, "I should never have pushed Benji, or any child for that matter, the way I did on Saturday." Despite his love for children and his involvement in charity work and junior football, Gallico recognized that his actions as Reggie Rabbit were inappropriate and not in line with the character's purpose.
The incident prompted an investigation by the club and NRL, with the video causing public outcry and criticism of Gallico's behavior.
The 81-year-old performer's apology reflected a sense of remorse and a desire to make amends for his actions.
While it is unclear what consequences Gallico may face as a result of the incident, his apology serves as a recognition of the impact of his behavior on Benji and the community.
Gallico's apology underscores the importance of taking responsibility for one's actions and demonstrating accountability when mistakes are made.
By openly admitting his wrongdoing and expressing regret for his behavior, he has taken a step towards reconciliation and learning from the incident.
The incident serves as a reminder of the need to uphold standards of behavior and respect, especially when interacting with children and representing a beloved character like Reggie Rabbit.