Arabic version: المدير الإعلامي أنطوني كاتالانو يدخل مركز إعادة التأهيل بعد اتهامات بالاعتداء

Antony Catalano, the co-owner and chairman of Australian Community Media (ACM), has announced his decision to enter a rehabilitation program following serious assault charges. According to ABC News, Catalano faces charges of assault, false imprisonment, and making threats to kill after an incident in Melbourne on Friday.

The allegations against Catalano include dragging a woman through an apartment and swinging a clothes iron at her head, resulting in the woman suffering a fractured tailbone and requiring hospitalization. Following the incident, he was placed on an indefinite leave of absence from his position at ACM.

In a statement, Catalano expressed deep shame and humiliation over the situation, acknowledging the distress caused to the victim, his family, and colleagues. He revealed that he has been struggling with significant mental health and substance abuse issues and stated that he would immediately seek professional help.

Catalano has accepted that he needs assistance and plans to take a six-month leave of absence from all professional responsibilities to focus on his treatment and recovery. His case was adjourned until May 11, with bail conditions set after a hearing where his barrister highlighted Catalano’s clean criminal record and significant property and business interests.