The George Hotel in Ballarat, regional Victoria, has cancelled a scheduled speaking event by former West Coast Eagles captain Ben Cousins, following public backlash from domestic violence victims and their supporters. The pub withdrew hosting the event, which had promoted itself as a redemption story, just hours before it was due to take place, and issued a public apology acknowledging it had not adequately considered the impact of giving Cousins a platform.

Cousins has multiple domestic violence convictions, including a 12-month prison sentence in 2017 for breaching a family violence intervention order and stalking a former partner, and a further seven-month jail term in 2020 for stalking his ex. He has also faced repeated drug-related charges. The George Hotel said it would strengthen its vetting process for future speakers and urged the public not to direct abuse at staff, who it said were not responsible for the booking decision. A separate Cousins event, due to be held at the Moonee Ponds Club on 25 September for a St Bernard's Old Collegians Association function, has also been cancelled.