Palmer accused of Culture vulturing over use of song
A CYCLIST is lucky to be alive after a freak accident saw him flung off his bike on the Bellarine Highway.
The 46-year-old Melbourne man, who was holidaying at Ocean Grove, was flown to The Alfred hospital with a serious head injury.
It is understood the crash happened while he was riding near the intersection of Bellarine Highway and Fellows Rd just before 8am yesterday. CLIVE Palmer has spurned another musician in his attempts at a political comeback, with concerns he has infringed the copyright of Culture Club’s 1980s hit Karma Chameleon.
Mr Palmer could face legal
Investigating officer Senior Constable Darren Kiddle said the man was travelling about 40km/h on the verge of the highway when a metal hook, used to connect trailers, became caught on the spokes of the front bicycle wheel.
“The cyclist was riding on his own when he hit a D-shackle that is used to tow a trailer,” Sen-Constable Kiddle said.
“That has locked onto his front wheel causing it to become stuck. He has gone over his handle bars and sustained significant head injuries.” action over altering the song lyrics to “Palmer Chameleon” in a game he is using to advertise the United Australia Party.
The latest stoush comes just one week after he allegedly ignored a cease-and-desist order
The man was alone at the time, and passers-by — who were first on the scene — called paramedics.
Sen-Constable Kiddle said the unusual cause of the crash was “unheard of”, with the cyclist very lucky to have survived.
“It is a reminder for cyclists to always be aware of hazards,” Sen-Constable Kiddle said.
A hospital spokeswoman confirmed the man was recovering at the Alfred where his condition had been downgraded to stable. The Bellarine Highway was reopened by 10am. from an American rock band over another ‘80s hit.
“Boy George’s song and art would never be used to endorse any political campaign,” the artist’s manager Paul Kemsley said yesterday.
However, a spokesman for Mr Palmer said as the song is being used as a parody, it’s not relevant to copyright. “The game is also free and therefore has no commercial value,” the spokesman added.