Statement from Senator Alex Antic regarding events of 23 February 2026. “On the evening of Monday, 23 February 2026 I met with my friend Cory Bernardi on Rundle Street for the purposes of having a beer. On that occasion we were photographed while discussing all range of matters including but not limited to a movie I had watched the night before. At approximately 4pm I offered to buy a round and (predictably) Cory offered little resistance and allowed me to buy. I returned with two low carb beers. This behaviour was totally out of character for me (mainly because I would normally play a game of chicken and try to get the other person to pay). I had no idea how much distress the consumption of low carb beers would create on social media. It was never my intention to offend anyone by ordering low-carb beers but rather suspected that a man as fit and athletic as Cory would demand the same. I'm disappointed in myself and I know I have let a lot of people down. I am fully committed to bettering myself and I would be grateful if the press could respect my privacy at this difficult time.” End