Melbourne’s nightlife was thrust into the spotlight recently when a viral video captured a chaotic scene at the Bar 20 strip club on King Street. The footage, which has amassed over 27 million views, shows two men being ejected from the venue, with one hurling a chair that accidentally hits his companion. The incident has sparked widespread speculation about the identities of the men involved, with rumors suggesting they may be members of a more upscale social club.
The video, which has reached audiences as far as the UK, depicts the men being removed from the adult venue. The bald man in the duo then grabs a chair from a nearby Korean restaurant and throws it at the bouncers, missing them and hitting his friend instead. Bar 20, located just a few blocks from The Australian Club—a prestigious, men-only private members’ establishment—has become a focal point of this viral sensation.
Speculation and Investigation
Costello’s Melbourne has been investigating whether the men could be part of a more refined social scene. On the night of the incident, there was reportedly a gathering of rurally-based members at The Australian Club. This has led to conjecture that the men might be affluent country gentlemen, possibly explaining their attire of cream chinos and R. M. Williams boots.
One member of The Australian Club, who wished to remain anonymous, stated, “I’ve watched the video 50 times and I don’t recognize them. There’s no coats or ties either,” referencing the club’s strict dress code. Meanwhile, Bar 20 co-owner Michael Trimble noted that the club no longer uses the Scantek system, which previously recorded patrons’ IDs, due to privacy concerns.
“We’ve got more exposure out of this than we could ever have imagined,” said Trimble, highlighting the unintended publicity boon from the incident.
Dan Andrews’ Health Concerns
In a separate development, concerns about the health of former Victorian Premier Dan Andrews have surfaced. According to an anonymous Labor powerbroker, Andrews is undergoing speech therapy following a recent medical emergency. This revelation has fueled speculation about his condition, as Andrews has not issued a public statement in weeks.
The health of Andrews, a polarizing figure in Victorian politics, has been a closely guarded secret. Reports suggest he was hospitalized in December, with his wife Kath visiting him at Monash Hospital. While rumors of a stroke were denied by his inner circle, Andrews reportedly spent about a week in the hospital before beginning rehabilitation treatment.
“He never thought he needed the media—and with three election wins, he might have been right,” a political insider commented on Andrews’ historically strained relationship with the press.
Footy Reckoning: AFL’s Concussion Crisis
The AFL is facing a potentially precedent-setting investigation into the deaths of former premiership stars Adam Hunter and Adam Selwood. Player agent Peter Jess has filed a complaint with WorkSafe WA, urging the organization to scrutinize the league’s handling of concussion-related conditions like chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
Jess argues that CTE should be classified as an “industrial disease” and believes it contributed to the premature deaths of former players. Adam Hunter, who died in 2025, was posthumously diagnosed with stage 1 CTE. Professor Alan Pearce from Swinburne University emphasized the need for further understanding of CTE’s impact on behavior and decision-making.
“This could send a world-first precedent to all contact sports bodies,” Jess stated, highlighting the potential global implications of the investigation.
One Nation’s New Member and Media Moves
As One Nation gains traction in the polls, former “Married at First Sight” participant Tim Smith has joined the party. Smith, a South Yarra resident, expressed his support for One Nation’s pro-Australia stance. Meanwhile, 3AW, a prominent Melbourne radio station, has been sold to the Laundy family, known for their pub empire. The sale is expected to integrate radio advertising with Laundy pubs, a strategic move that could reshape the station’s commercial landscape.
In entertainment news, comedian Elliot Loney’s impersonation of musician Adam Hyde has stirred controversy, with Hyde and his partner Abbie Chatfield accusing Loney of contributing to online harassment. Despite the backlash, Loney’s satire continues to attract significant online attention.
As these stories unfold, Melbourne remains a city buzzing with intrigue and debate, from viral videos to political health mysteries and sports controversies.
