A former career criminal, Russell Manser, who served 23 years behind bars before transforming his life and gaining fame as a TikTok sensation, passed away.
Manser, who directed through Australia’s most challenging prisons in the 1980s and ’90s, succumbed on Saturday night, as reported. The exact cause of death for the ex-maximum security inmate remains undisclosed.
Russell Manser, a survivor of institutional child sexual abuse, established the charity Voice of a Survivor, dedicating himself to advocating for fellow abuse survivors.
In his biography, Manser recounted his early struggles with addiction, which propelled him into a life of crime and resulted in incarcerations across Queensland, the Northern Territory, and New South Wales.
According to his website, Russell Manser’s journey began at 17 when he was incarcerated at Long Bay jail, where he encountered some of the country’s most notorious sex offenders and experienced sexual abuse himself.
He alleged being forcibly injected with heroin multiple times, leading to struggles with addiction. Reflecting on his past offenses, Manser admitted feeling desensitized and unaware of the harm he caused others, as reported.
Manser gained prominence during the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sex Abuse and later expressed the healing power of speaking out about his experiences.
In his later years, he gained a substantial social media following through his podcast, The Stick, featuring notable guests like footballer Braith Anasta and boxer Jeff Fenech.
In an interview, Manser reflected on his transformation, acknowledging the pain he inflicted on others and the journey to change his life.
“I’m not asking anyone to necessarily forgive me, I did a lot of distress to a lot of people,” Manser said.
“But now I have the opportunity to make up for it.”
Manser’s loved ones, including his son Ky, 22, expressed their condolences and tributes on social media platforms. Ky shared a heartfelt photo of himself with his father on Instagram, joining others in honoring Manser’s memory.
“RIP dad till we meet again mate,” Ky wrote.
“I’m sorry I haven’t been able to get back to anyone, I’ve been spending time with my family and trying to actually accept this with myself.
“I’ve just lost my best friend … and I’m trying to stay strong for my little brother.”
