Hobart DJ Astro “Funknukl” Labe, 38, was charged with one count of common assault on Friday over an alleged attack on the Hobart waterfront on Thursday afternoon.

Labe was wearing a rainbow “yes” badge when he allegedly asked Abbott to shake his hand before attempting to head-butt him on Morrison Street about 4.35pm.

“I must state in no uncertain terms that this has nothing whatsoever to do with marriage equality,” Labe said.

Labe told the Guardian that he supported the “yes” case, but was not a campaigner. He had been drinking before the alleged attack. “My motivations were alcohol fuelled to a degree,” he said.

“Someone had just stuck a campaign sticker on me. I’m not an activist but, of course, I believe in human rights and equality.”

He said he was an anarchist and a pacifist who believed showing respect for other people was the most importance value. He said Abbott was a “completely disgusting person” who did not share that respect.

“He’s one of sickest examples of why Australian society is so archaic in 2017. There is no connection to the Bible in his actions,” he told Guardian Australia.

“He’s a gentrified rich kid. He personifies everything I hate politically, and he’s not even good at it.

“If I see an opportunity to improve my life and those around me by nutting Tony Abbott, I’m a pretty pragmatic guy.”

Labe told journalists that he had been spurred on to act simply out of dislike for Abbott rather than over marriage equality.

“It was nothing really remotely to do with that. It’s just about Tony Abbott — the fucking worm that he is,” he said.

“All it was is I saw Tony Abbott and I’d had half a skinful and I wanted to nut the cunt.”