The “heroic” teen that smashed an egg into the back of the head of an Australian anti-Muslim senator over the weekend has doubled-down on his internet fame by donating money to the victims of the horrific New Zealand mosque attacks.
William Connolly, who quickly became known as “Egg Boy,” was thrust into social media fame after the 17-year-old egged Fraser Anning after the senator blamed the New Zealand mosque attacks on the country’s immigration program.
The egging happened Saturday while Anning was addressing reporters following an event. Video shows Connolly holding up a cellphone before smashing an egg into the back of the senator’s melon. Anning then turned around and slapped the kid across the face before Egg Boy was tackled to the ground.
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Anning came under blistering criticism over tweets on Friday, including one that said: “Does anyone still dispute the link between Muslim immigration and violence?”
“The real cause of the bloodshed on New Zealand streets today is the immigration program, which allowed Muslim fanatics to migrate to New Zealand in the first place,” he said in a statement.
Connolly was praised by many social media users from around the world, including the likes of musicians and politicians.
“The remarks by Senator Fraser Anning blaming the murderous attacks by a violent, right-wing, extremist terrorist in New Zealand on immigration are disgusting,” Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison tweeted. “Those views have no place in Australia, let alone the Australian Parliament.”
“Guest list for life for there,” The Mountain Goats said.
“Same,” Teenage Dirtbag singers Wheatus said.
A GoFundMe page was set up for “Our hero EggBoi,” to help cover any “legal fees” and “more eggs.” However, since Connolly’s new-found fame, the original goal had been raised to $50,000 “in homage to the 50 victims of the Christchurch terrorist attack.”
“EggBoi (Will) plans to send a majority of the money to the victims of the Christchurch terrorist attack,” reads a statement on the fundraiser.
Fundraisers praised Egg Boy’s efforts.
“Eggs do no permanent damage, but racism and extremism do,” reads a comment.
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“This guy is a hero,” reads another. “My sincere condolences to everyone affected by this act of terrorism in Christchurch.”
“The boy stood against hate and bigotry,” another chimed in. “God bless him.”
However, not everyone was a fan of Connolly’s actions.
“Assaulting anyone is not a good thing,” reads a comment on the fundraiser. “Violence is never good for fighting violence.”
Victoria police continue to investigate the egg incident and are considering whether to lay charges against any of those involved. Here’s a look at more reaction.
—With a file from the Associated Press