KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) – Nine Australians charged after stripping down to skimpy swimsuits at the Malaysian Formula One Grand Prix walked free Thursday without a conviction after pleading guilty to causing a public nuisance and apologizing.
The nine were detained Sunday after they partied in Budgy Smuggler-brand swimsuits decorated with the Malaysian flag and drank beer from shoes in full view of thousands of spectators at the Sepang track after Australian driver Daniel Ricciardo won the race.
Budgy smuggler is Australian slang for a tight swimsuit worn by men, and the drinking out of a shoe was done to honor Ricciardo, who drinks out of his shoes to celebrate winning.
Defense lawyer Muhammad Shafee Abdullah said the court accepted his argument that it was a trivial offense and that the nine, dressed in suits in the court, were ignorant of the local culture and remorseful. He said one of them read out an apology to the court, admitting to an “error of judgment.”
Shafee said their actions were not illegal in most countries, including Australia.