Robert Irwin Breaks Silence To Defend Mom Terri After Viral Paparazzi Photo Sparks Outrage
As part of a famous family, Robert Irwin has grown up in the public eye. However, there are times when stories aren’t as they appear. Recently, Robert called out a story concerning him and his mother, Terri Irwin.
Robert Irwin Recalled A Paparazzi Moment During A Recent Podcast Appearance
Robert is the son of conservationists Steve and Terri Irwin. Following in his late father’s footsteps, he started working at Australia Zoo at a young age.
Over the years, Robert and his family also became known to viewers through various reality shows, including Crikey! It’s the Irwins. After winning Season 34 of Dancing with the Stars, he became the host of the spin-off, The Next Pro.
Robert Irwin/Credit: YouTube
Recently, Irwin appeared on the Stellar podcast, “Something To Talk About,” speaking with Sarrah Le Marquand. At the time, he addressed a story that he felt vilified his mother, Terri.
Looking back to when he was sixteen, Robert recalled a moment in which paparazzi took pictures of him crying after the death of a childhood pet, a chicken named “Piggy.” Reportedly, the family adopted the bird after the death of Robert’s father, Steve.
Sharing that he learned about Piggy’s death after a flight, Robert noted, “She was so much more than a chicken. She was 13, and I got the text that she passed away. I got off the plane and there was a bunch of cameras taking photos of me.”
According to Robert, at the time, many publications used the tender moment to suggest problems in the family. As he explained, “I was absolutely cut up. I looked obviously very sad and then the reports come out: ‘Oh, there’s a family rift between Robert and his sister,’ or ‘Robert’s mum is doing this.’”
Robert & Terri Also Famously Danced Together During Season 34 Of Dancing With The Stars
Robert felt that his mother was often a target of the media. He shared, “They always villainize Mum for some reason. I’m like, dude, my pet chicken just died. Cool it, alright?”
Ultimately, Robert called on the media to do better, saying, “Don’t start creating some sort of family drama just because my pet chicken died. That’s the only thing that sort of gets a little bit frustrating.” Despite this, he maintained that he was grateful to be in a position to advocate for the environment.
Dancing with the Stars fans know that Robert and his mother are close. Back when he was part of Season 34, the two danced together during “Dedication Night. The moment was set to Phil Collins’ “You’ll Be in My Heart.”
