The 67-year-old man who hijacked a business breakfast in Perth to launch a lemon meringue pie in the face of Qantas' chief executive has spoken out on the rationale behind his actions, as his victim prepares legal action.
Alan Joyce, who was the primary speaker at the West Business Leadership Matters event, was forced to cut his speech short when Tony Overheu came up from behind and planted the pie square in his face on Tuesday.
At the time of the incident, it was not known why Mr Overheu, a farmer from Western Australia, did what he did - but he has now explained everything in a tell-all interview with a local radio station.
Speaking to 6PR's breakfast show, Mr Overheu said while he was sorry for his actions, he was motivated to throw the cream pie because of Qantas' insistence on promoting LGBT rights.
"Middle Australia completely rejects corporate bullying aimed at social engineering. Qantas is insulting many staff and passengers with their boarding pass propaganda," he said.
"CEOs need to respect Australia is a democracy where backdoor attempts to subvert the clear wishes of the overwhelming majority will cost companies bottom lines.
"Alan Joyce is paid AU$13 million ($14 million) to run airlines, not bulldoze Australia socially against its will."
However, Mr Overheu has now apologised to Mr Joyce - and revealed that his family are rather irritated that he purchased an AU$25.95 (NZ$27.86) lemon meringue pie purely to ridicule Qantas.
"My family is outraged, my wife is in uproar," he said.
"I sent a letter this morning to Mr Joyce, the hotel and Curtain University apologising unreservedly for any insult or injury due to my actions."
However it's clear Mr Joyce isn't completely satisfied with the apology he received, as he revealed he is now preparing to file a lawsuit against Mr Overheu.
"The police are continuing their investigation and my intention is to send a message that this type of behaviour isn't acceptable and that I will have every intention of pressing charges," he said.
"I have every intention to continue to be vocal on those social and community issues. It's important for our shareholders, our employees, and our customers. It's called good corporate social responsibility."
Newshub.
