"If you scream one more time, I'll stab you to death." — Allegation read to the court
Melbourne media executive Antony Catalano, 59, co-owner of Australian Community Media (ACM), is facing multiple criminal charges including assault, false imprisonment, and making threats to kill, following an alleged domestic incident in March 2026. The case has triggered corporate upheaval, rehabilitation efforts, and a legal timeline extending through mid-2026.
Criminal Charges and Allegations
Antony Catalano was arrested on March 13, 2026, and charged with:
- Assault
- False imprisonment
- Making threats to kill
- Recklessly causing injury
- Intentionally choking, strangling, or suffocating
The charges stem from an alleged incident at the couple's St Kilda apartment.
Court Allegations (March 13, 2026)
During a bail hearing, Senior Constable Kiran Paramaguru presented the following police allegations to the Melbourne Magistrates' Court:
- The alleged incident began around 12:30 a.m. on March 13.
- Mr. Catalano was reportedly in a "severely drug-affected state" and wearing only underwear.
- He allegedly approached his wife, Stefanie Catalano, who was in bed, and began shouting about a prior welfare check.
- He allegedly demanded her phone, then physically grabbed her.
- He allegedly dragged her by her hair and ankles through the apartment.
- He allegedly dragged her to a laundry area, grabbed a clothes iron, held it toward her head, and swung it with force.
- Ms. Catalano briefly escaped the apartment but was allegedly dragged back inside by her hair.
- Mr. Catalano allegedly threatened: "If you scream one more time, I'll stab you to death."
- Police stated they have CCTV footage from inside the apartment, the foyer, and a corridor, which they say shows parts of the incident.
- Neighbors called police after hearing screaming. A 27-second recording from a neighbor's apartment captured screaming and Ms. Catalano saying "let me go" multiple times.
- Ms. Catalano eventually fled the apartment, ran onto the road, and flagged down a passing vehicle, which drove her from the area.
- Police arrested Mr. Catalano later that day in the suburb of Hampton. He was wearing underwear that police allege was torn during the incident.
- Ms. Catalano was hospitalized with a fractured coccyx (tailbone).
2018 Allegation
The court was informed that Stefanie Catalano made a police complaint against her husband in 2018, alleging he punched and headbutted her. That case did not proceed due to what was described as insufficient evidence.
Defense Position
Mr. Catalano's defense barrister, Jason Gullaci SC, stated there were "triable issues" regarding how the incident started and "whether the complainant was an active participant in it." He noted that physical contact, supported by CCTV footage, was conceded, but the full sequence of events remained to be clarified. The defense also stated that the written police summary did not initially reference the iron being swung.
Legal Proceedings: Bail and Case Timeline
Bail Hearing (March 13, 2026)
Police requested Mr. Catalano be denied bail, citing him as a flight risk due to his financial resources, recent drug use, time in a psychiatric facility, and a history of drug-induced psychosis.
Magistrate Rohan Lawrence granted bail, citing Mr. Catalano's lack of prior convictions, his status as a father of nine, and his significant business interests in Australia. Bail conditions included that he remain in Victoria. Magistrate Lawrence described the alleged offending as "serious" and "protracted", noting a potential jail sentence if guilt is established.
Bail Variation (June 2, 2026)
The Melbourne Magistrates' Court varied Mr. Catalano's bail conditions, allowing him to travel to Byron Bay to visit his wife, Stefanie, and their four children. The application was not opposed by police or the complainant's lawyer.
Next Court Appearance
The case was adjourned and is scheduled for another hearing on July 1, 2026.
Mr. Catalano's Statement and Rehabilitation
Following his arrest, Mr. Catalano issued a statement saying he was "deeply ashamed and humiliated." He acknowledged struggling with "significant mental health and substance abuse issues" and announced his immediate entry into a 28-day inpatient rehabilitation program and a six-month leave of absence from all professional roles.
Professional and Corporate Impact
Australian Community Media (ACM)
- ACM's board and executive leadership issued a statement expressing concern over the allegations, stating that violence against women is against the company's values.
- Mr. Catalano was placed on an immediate leave of absence from his role as executive chairman and co-owner. ACM managing director Tony Kendall confirmed the leave until the court matter is resolved.
- ACM held a staff meeting to address the situation.
- Mr. Catalano resigned as executive chairman of ACM after a reported staff vote of no confidence.
Corporate Changes
- Mr. Catalano resigned as director of 20 Cashews Pty Ltd (owner of ACM) and 19 Cashews Pty Ltd (with a stake in Southern Cross Media).
- His son, Jordan Catalano, was appointed as director of Kirant Property Pty Ltd and Jonson Street By Raes Pty Ltd.
- Mr. Catalano also stepped down as co-director of regional jobs platform ViewJobs.
Business Partner Response
Billionaire investor Alex Waislitz, who partnered with Mr. Catalano to acquire ACM in 2019, described the allegations as "confronting and concerning." Waislitz stated that staff at their companies would be "supported and heard" and has distanced himself from Mr. Catalano.
Property and Financing Developments
Bonobo by Raes Project (Byron Bay)
Financing for the $112 million luxury apartment complex, which was four weeks from completion, was withdrawn following the allegations. Jordan Catalano is negotiating with a new financial backer. The project is a joint venture between Podia and Centennial Property Group.
Property Holdings
- The family's primary property, the Raes on Wategos Beach hotel and restaurant, is managed by Jordan Catalano.
- Westpac has a mortgage on the family home owned by Stefanie Catalano and an adjoining land parcel.
- A $9.25 million penthouse on Mount Buller was listed for sale.
- A $29.95 million Melbourne penthouse in the Saint Moritz building was re-listed after being briefly withdrawn from the market following the assault charges.
Context: Workplace Culture and Past Incidents
Domain Workplace Allegations
Following Mr. Catalano's arrest, reports from his tenure as CEO of Domain emerged, citing a "boys' club" culture. Allegations included women being referred to with derogatory terms and cocaine use at work events. Mr. Catalano denied wrongdoing but resigned as Domain CEO in January 2018.
Past Legal Issues
- 2018: A headbutting allegation did not result in charges due to insufficient evidence.
- 2023: An altercation with celebrity jeweller Giovanni D’Ercole in Byron Bay led to police questioning but no charges.
- 2012: A drinking-driving charge was dismissed.
- 2014: He was found guilty of a separate drink-driving charge, resulting in a license cancellation and fine.
- An accusation of a confrontation over a car parking space was denied by Mr. Catalano.