Antony Catalano, co-owner and executive chairman of Australian Community Media (ACM), has been charged by Victoria Police with assault, false imprisonment, and making threats to kill a woman. The charges stem from an alleged incident in Melbourne on March 12, which reportedly resulted in the woman sustaining a fractured coccyx.
Following his release on bail, Mr. Catalano announced he would enter a rehabilitation facility and take a six-month leave of absence from all professional responsibilities. He attributed his actions to mental health and substance abuse issues.
Allegations and Court Proceedings
Police allegations presented in the Melbourne Magistrates' Court state that Mr. Catalano, 59, allegedly dragged a woman through an apartment by her hair and ankles and swung a clothes iron at her head. The alleged incident was reportedly captured by CCTV cameras. The woman was hospitalized with a fractured tailbone.
During the bail hearing, Magistrate Rohan Lawrence described the evidence as "relatively strong" and noted the potential for a jail term if the charges are proven. Mr. Catalano has not yet entered a plea. His barrister, Jason Gullaci SC, conceded that physical contact occurred but questioned the full sequence of events and the claim of the iron being forcefully swung, noting this specific detail was not reportedly in the written police summary.
Police had requested that Mr. Catalano be denied bail, citing concerns about further offending and flight risk. However, Magistrate Lawrence granted bail on specific conditions, citing Mr. Catalano's clean criminal record, status as a father of nine, and significant business interests.
Magistrate Rohan Lawrence described the evidence as "relatively strong" and noted the potential for a jail term if the charges are proven.
Mr. Catalano is scheduled to appear in court again on May 11.
Catalano's Statement and Professional Leave
In a published statement, Mr. Catalano expressed shame for his actions and apologized for any distress caused. He attributed his behavior to "significant mental health and substance abuse issues" and stated his acceptance of the need for professional help, expressing regret for not seeking help sooner.
He attributed his behavior to "significant mental health and substance abuse issues" and stated his acceptance of the need for professional help, expressing regret for not seeking help sooner.
He announced his immediate entry into a rehabilitation program and a six-month leave from all professional obligations to focus on treatment and recovery. He resigned as executive chairman of ACM following a staff vote of no confidence and has been placed on an immediate leave of absence from his other roles until the matter is resolved.
Company and Co-Owner Response
ACM's board and executive leadership team issued a statement expressing concern regarding the allegations, emphasizing that violence against women is against the company's values. The company stated its priority is the wellbeing of its employees and announced an upcoming staff meeting to address the situation.
Alex Waislitz, Mr. Catalano's co-owner in ACM and View Media Group, described the allegations as "confronting and concerning" and stated that all staff would be "supported and heard." Mr. Waislitz has reportedly distanced himself from Mr. Catalano following the allegations. Speculation regarding a sale of ACM's publishing assets has intensified following these developments.
Background and Prior Incidents
Mr. Catalano's career includes founding The Weekly Review, leading Domain as CEO (including its public listing in 2017), and acquiring ACM with Alex Waislitz in 2019.
Workplace Concerns and Past AccusationsConcerns regarding workplace culture at Domain emerged around late 2017, leading to dozens of complaints about alleged misbehavior and a culture described by former employees as a "boys' club." This included allegations of women being referred to with derogatory terms and discussions of drug use at office parties and sales events. Mr. Catalano denied wrongdoing but resigned as Domain CEO in 2018, citing family reasons. Domain's senior executives subsequently undertook efforts to rebuild the company's culture.
In recent years, Mr. Catalano's behavior has been described as erratic by some former business associates. Incidents include:
- An altercation at his Raes hotel in Byron Bay involving celebrity jeweller Giovanni D’Ercole, which led to police involvement but no charges.
- An accusation of a confrontation over a car parking space, which Mr. Catalano denied.
- Headbutting allegations in 2018, which did not result in charges due to insufficient evidence.
- Two drink-driving charges, one dismissed in 2012 due to procedural issues, and a conviction in 2014 resulting in a license cancellation and fine.
The Melbourne Magistrates' Court heard that Mr. Catalano recently experienced a mental health episode, was admitted to a psychiatric ward last month following drug use, and had called police days prior believing he was "seeing people emerging from the woodworks" at his Byron Bay property. Reports from his inner circle indicate a recent history of cocaine and ketamine addiction, which reportedly contributed to aggressive and erratic behavior and affected his relationship with his wife, Stefanie.
Allegations have also emerged that Mr. Catalano attempted to pressure his wife, Stefanie Catalano, to retract claims of past attacks, including one incident reportedly nearly a decade ago while she was five months pregnant. Ms. Catalano recently declined further comment, stating she was "dealing with a lot."
Corporate and Property Developments
Following the charges, Mr. Catalano is being removed from various corporate registers, with new directors appointed to his businesses. His eldest son, Jordan Catalano, has replaced him as a director on Kirant Property Pty Ltd and Jonson Street By Raes Pty Ltd. Mr. Catalano has also stepped down as co-director of the regional jobs platform ViewJobs, with further director changes anticipated across his other corporate interests.
Financing for Mr. Catalano's Bonobo by Raes project, a $112 million luxury apartment complex in Byron Bay, was withdrawn. Jordan Catalano is currently negotiating with a new financial backer for the project, which is four weeks from completion. The redevelopment of the former Byron Backpackers building will feature 41 luxury apartments and retail spaces, and is a joint venture between Podia and Centennial Property Group. Jordan Catalano and Raes' general manager Marty McCaig have led the Raes side of the project, with no involvement from Antony Catalano. The refinancing aims to separate this project from the broader Catalano family property portfolio. Jordan Catalano also manages Raes on Wategos Beach and Raes Guesthouses, which his father acquired in 2013 and 2014.
Mr. Catalano's six-bedroom Melbourne penthouse in the Saint Moritz building has been re-listed for $29.95 million after being temporarily withdrawn from the market earlier this month. The property, which police reportedly visited on March 12, was first listed in April last year for $33 million to $36 million, then removed for "family reasons," before re-entering the market in February at the current asking price. His $9.25 million penthouse on Mount Buller ski fields is also for sale. A Westpac mortgage is registered on the family home owned by Stefanie Catalano, and on an adjoining land parcel.