Australian swimmer Grant Hackett was involved in a mid air dispute with a fellow passenger last night and is now being questioned by Federal Police regarding the incident.

Hackett was on his way home to Brisbane, from the Australian swimming championships in Adelaide, via Melbourne when it was alleged by another passenger that he grabbed him forcefully by the nipple.

The passenger that was assaulted told his story to the Daily Telegraph:
“As I reclined my chair he grabbed it and yanked it back,” the passenger said. “Then he put his hand through and groped my chest and tweaked my nipple quite forcefully.
“I was shocked and my partner turned around and he asked him what the hell he thought he was doing.
“Mr Hackett then stroked my arm and said: “It’s OK, it’s all right.”

Hackett’s aggressive behaviour escalated during the flight when he “went to the toilet for an extended period, taking a bag with him. He emerged aggressive and agitated, taking offence to a male business class passenger who reclined his seat.”

After leaving the aeroplane bathroom, Hackett reportedly yelled abuse and grabbed the man on the chest before crew restrained him and radioed ahead to Federal Police.

“He was out of control, said one passenger, it was a nasty incident.”

Hackett recently failed in his bid to make the Australian swimming team for the Rio Olympics.
He has since been in negotiations with Channel 7 network to work on their commentary team.

Photos courtesy of Channel 7 and Google images.