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Kyle Sandilands throws drink at Ben Fordham live on-air

<p>Kyle Sandilands and Ben Fordham have clashed during a live interview. </p> <p>The radio rivals joined John Laws' on his 2SM show on Wednesday, for one of Laws' final shows before he retires when things got heated. </p> <p>The trio had been chatting about various topics for 15 minutes when the conversation turned to the US election. </p> <p>After Sandilands gave his opinion on Trump's strong performance, Fordham sarcastically responded with:  “Of all the experts on American politics, what an honour for John Laws to have Kyle Sandilands commenting on it this morning.”</p> <p>The comment sparked an immediate reaction from the KIIS FM host, who retaliated with: “I’ll throw this water in your face, b***h." </p> <p>"I don’t care who you think you are.”</p> <p>“Well go on, do it!” Fordham challenged him.</p> <p>The 2GB host pushed him over the edge when he said:  “You talk tough to the paparazzi …” and was cut off when Sandilands threw a tall glass of water over his face and chest. </p> <p>“Oh my lord!” a shocked Fordham said.</p> <p>“There you go,” Sandilands told him. “Don’t push a Brisbane boy.”</p> <p>Laws seemed rather amused by the chaos, and as Fordham tried to dry himself off, he took another cheeky dig at Sandilands. </p> <p>“Kyle’s wet too, but that’s perspiration,” he said.</p> <p>The interview went on for another 15 minutes and towards the end of the chat Laws apologised to Fordham saying: “I’m sorry you’re wet." </p> <p>“I bet you’ve never said that before,” quipped Sandilands.</p> <p>To make matters worse for Fordham, the NSW premier, Chris Minns was waiting just outside the studio doors. </p> <p>“I’ve got all this water all over me, it looks like I’ve wet myself, and now I’m going to go outside and there are VIPs out there,” Fordham said.</p> <p>“Embarrassing.”</p> <p>On Thursday morning, the KIIS FM radio host reflected on the on-air clash, claiming that he was the one who invited Fordham to appear with him on Laws' radio show. </p> <p>“I shouldn’t have invited him, I’ll never invite him anywhere again,” he said.</p> <p>“He just carried on like a carnival person,” Sandilands continued. “He kept yelling and he kept interfering.”</p> <p>In response, Fordham reportedly told <em>news.com.au</em>, “Kyle knows he’s boring on his own. That’s why he roped me in to join him.”</p> <p><em>Images: 2SM/ news.com.au</em></p>

Music

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Maggie Smith farewelled in emotional funeral

<p>Dame Maggie Smith has been farewelled in a "poignant but not sad" funeral service. </p> <p>The intimate service was attended by Smith's closest friends, family and colleagues, as mourners gathered at the Mortlake Crematorium in London to celebrate her life. </p> <p>According to one attendee, guests paid tribute to the late actress with "brilliant eulogies" and by "belting out hymns", with the service described as "beautiful, warm, and full of laughter". </p> <p>"Such a beautiful goodbye to Maggie Smith today," the guest said. "It was warm and funny and full of love and brilliant eulogies, with the best hymns bringing belted out by all. It was poignant but not sad because hers was a life so richly lived."</p> <p>"I knew her because of [the guest's husband's] decades of working with her but I adored her."</p> <p>"[The guest's daughter] was traumatised when she first met her as she knew her as the terrifying housekeeper Mrs Medlock in The Secret Garden! Maggie was as funny and sharp as it gets. One of the greats."</p> <p>The news of Dame Maggie Smith's <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/health/caring/harry-potter-stars-pay-tribute-to-dame-maggie-smith" target="_blank" rel="noopener">death</a> was confirmed by her family, who announced she has died on September 27th at the age of 89.</p> <p>Smith's sons Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens wrote in a statement, “She passed away peacefully in hospital early this morning, Friday 27 September."</p> <p>“An intensely private person, she was with friends and family at the end. She leaves two sons and five loving grandchildren who are devastated by the loss of their extraordinary mother and grandmother.” </p> <p><em>Image credits: Daily Mail</em></p>

Caring

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Prince William pops up in Robert Irwin's socials

<p>Prince William has made a surprise appearance on Robert Irwin's Instagram as the pair team up for an important award ceremony in South Africa. </p> <p>The Prince of Wales and the wildlife warrior posted a video from Cape Town as they take part in the annual Earthshot Prize Awards: an initiative founded by William, of which Irwin is an ambassador.</p> <p>“G’day, it’s Robert here, with, of course, Prince William,” Irwin began the video. “Lovely to see you. How are you enjoying South Africa so far?”</p> <p>“Good thanks, really good, having a lovely time so far, loving it,” the prince responded.</p> <p>“Robert, you’ve been a fantastic ambassador for us at the moment, so looking forward to the Prize on Wednesday – tune in!”</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DB_C75lP9Wa/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DB_C75lP9Wa/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Robert Irwin (@robertirwinphotography)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Irwin said that the event was “going to be amazing” before asking William, “We’re in South Africa, one of the most amazing countries and continents for wildlife – do you have a favourite African animal?”</p> <p>The future King pointed out it was a “really tough question”, adding, “My children ask me this regularly. I think it’s going to have to be the cheetah.”</p> <p>“Cheetahs, OK. Very cool. It’s chameleons for me, the unsung hero, I love them,” Irwin told him, before signing off the video, “Thanks so much for having me, for having us, Earthshot Week has been amazing so far and I cannot wait for tomorrow night … South Africa rules!”</p> <p>On the second day of Prince William's four-day tour of South Africa, he joined Irwin for a walk together towards Cape Town's Signal Hill, as the royal and the Aussie conservationist met with a variety of local park rangers and firefighters, with Irwin telling media afterwards that they had both “fallen in love with Cape Town”.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram</em> </p>

International Travel

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Cleo Smith’s abductor learns fate

<p>Terence Kelly has learned his fate after his lawyers attempted to have his sentence reduced. </p> <p>Kelly abducted Cleo Smith from her parents' tent at a remote West Australian campsite north of Carnarvon in late 2021, sparking a massive manhunt before she was found at his home by police 18 days later.</p> <p>The 37-year-old appealed to have his 13 year and six months sentence shortened, with the decision handed down in court on Monday that the sentence would stand. </p> <p>After being jailed in April 2023 following his admission that he kidnapped Cleo, his lawyers argued his mental impairments, including severe personality dysfunction, contributed to his decision to snatch the young girl. </p> <p>His lawyers also maintained the sentencing judge erred in finding Kelly's use of methamphetamine had a "significant and causal role in the offending".</p> <p>They also say the judge didn't give enough consideration to Kelly's childhood disadvantage and trauma.</p> <p>In sentencing, WA District Court Chief Judge Julie Wager said Kelly's actions were at the "highest level of seriousness" and that Cleo and her family would be "permanently impacted".</p> <p>In the court's ruling on Monday, the court accepted the sentence was "severe" but found it reflected the seriousness of the crime.</p> <p>"On any view, the appellant's abduction of such a young and highly vulnerable child from her parents, at night, and then holding her captive in his house for 18 days was extraordinarily serious," Justices Robert Mazza and Stephen Hall found.</p> <p>"As tragic as the appellant's background is, the sad fact remains that his risk of reoffending required that the sentence imposed upon him have regard to the sentencing objective of public protection."</p> <p>Kelly had faced a maximum of 20 years in jail but he got a 25 per cent discount of five years for his early guilty plea.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images / Instagram</em></p>

Legal

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Radio host almost paralysed after horrific bike crash

<p>Brisbane radio host Ben Dobbin is lucky to be alive after breaking his neck in a horrific bike crash.</p> <p>Dobbin, 48, was training for the Noose triathlon on Wednesday when he swerved to miss a snake on the road. </p> <p>The Triple M presenter crashed and was rushed to hospital and diagnosed with a fractured C5 vertebrae, and he underwent surgery on Thursday night.</p> <p>While on the road to recovery, he told the <a href="https://www.couriermail.com.au/entertainment/triple-m-star-ben-dobbins-horrific-bike-crash-leaves-him-hospitalised-with-broken-neck-and-spinal-injuries/news-story/3ceade005e05dc46bd9a197f352886d8" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>Sunday Mail</em> </a>that he was “that close” to being in a wheelchair for the rest of his life that it was “not funny”.</p> <p>“My front tyre clipped his back tyre and I lost control, shot across [the road], got spat out and went head first into the one and only steel pole,” he said. </p> <p>He recalled how the neurosurgeon that operated on him through his throat also told the father-of-five that there’s a risk he could lose his voice altogether, saying, “I told him ‘that’s my career’ and he said ‘my priority is to save you from being in a wheelchair for the rest of your life.’”</p> <p>Despite telling the outlet that “most people who have this type of injury don’t ever walk again”, Dobbin was up and taking his first few steps on Friday.</p> <p>“I don’t know how long I’ll be in hospital for, they haven’t told me,” he said. “I’ve been in agony, but it’s more the mental side of things that’s harder to deal with, if I’m honest."</p> <p>“I know one thing, I’ll never get on a bike again.”</p> <p>Dobbins co-hosts Leisel Jones and Liam Flanagan on <em>The Rush Hour with Leisel, Liam and Dobbo</em> informed listeners of the accident on Wednesday, saying that Dobbin was expected to make a “full recovery”.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram </em></p>

Caring

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Harry Potter stars pay tribute to Dame Maggie Smith

<p>The stars of the <em>Harry Potter</em> franchise have paid tribute to Dame Maggie Smith, after the Oscar-winning actress passed away on Friday at the age of 89. </p> <p>Smith, who played the role of Professor McGonagall throughout the eight movies, was honoured by dozens of her co-stars, including Harry Potter himself: Daniel Radcliffe. </p> <p>Radcliffe shared a statement to Entertainment Weekly, writing, "She was a fierce intellect, a gloriously sharp tongue, could intimidate and charm in the same instant and was, as everyone will tell you, extremely funny."</p> <p>"I will always consider myself amazingly lucky to have been able to work with her, and to spend time around her on set. The word legend is overused but if it applies to anyone in our industry then it applies to her. Thank you Maggie."</p> <p>Emma Watson also shared a tribute on Instagram alongside the two actresses working together, reflecting on Smith's impact on set. </p> <p>She said, "When I was younger I had no idea of Maggie's legend — the woman I was fortunate to share space with. It is only as I've become an adult that I've come to appreciate that I shared the screen with a true definition of greatness."</p> <p>"She was real, honest, funny and self-honouring. Maggie, there were a lot of male professors and by God you held your own. Thank you for all of your kindness. I'll miss you."</p> <p>Rupert Grint also shared a photo of the pair together, referencing a particular fan favourite scene from the fourth <em>Harry Potter</em> film, writing, "Heartbroken to hear about Maggie. She was so special, always hilarious and always kind. I feel incredibly lucky to have shared a set with her and particularly lucky to have shared a dance. I'll miss you, Maggie. Sending all my love to her family."</p> <p>Gary Oldman, who played Sirius Black in the franchise, shared a statement with Entertainment Weekly on Maggie's passing, praising her acting talents, saying,  "Maggie Smith, one of the true Greats along with [Laurence] Olivier and [John] Gielgud… those who saw her dazzling talent on the stage say they can never forget her. Her magnificent film performances remain for all to see and enjoy. Such an artist comes along about every other generation. If one is lucky."</p> <p>The news of Maggie Smith's passing was confirmed by her sons Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens who said in a statement, “She passed away peacefully in hospital early this morning, Friday 27 September."</p> <p>“An intensely private person, she was with friends and family at the end. She leaves two sons and five loving grandchildren who are devastated by the loss of their extraordinary mother and grandmother.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Warner Brothers/Paul Marriott/Shutterstock Editorial </em></p>

Caring

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Bindi Irwin's sweet nickname for Robert revealed

<p>Anyone who grew up with siblings is all too familiar with the quirky yet endearing nicknames that seem to stick with us over time. </p> <p>For Robert Irwin, big sister Bindi was the first to give him a nickname, and the moment it happened was caught on camera. </p> <p>In a home video shared on TikTok, a young Bindi can be seen excitedly talking to her father, the late Steve Irwin. </p> <p>"I've got some news," Steve says in the clip. </p> <p>"We're not going home, we're going to the hospital... Mummy just had a baby. She's had a little baby boy, and his name is Robert Clarence Irwin."</p> <p>Donning her iconic khaki uniform from Australia Zoo, the young wildlife warrior could not be more excited to be a big sister, saying: "I'm more excited than Mummy and you!" </p> <p><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /><iframe class="embedly-embed" style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border-width: 0px; border-style: initial; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; width: 548px; max-width: 100%; color: #323338; font-family: Figtree, Roboto, 'Noto Sans Hebrew', 'Noto Kufi Arabic', 'Noto Sans JP', sans-serif; background-color: #ffffff; outline: none !important;" title="tiktok embed" src="https://cdn.embedly.com/widgets/media.html?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2Fembed%2Fv2%2F7394995762217733392&display_name=tiktok&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2F%40robertirwin%2Fvideo%2F7394995762217733392%3Fembed_source%3D121374463%252C121451205%252C121439635%252C121433650%252C121404359%252C121351166%252C72778571%252C121331973%252C120811592%252C120810756%253Bnull%253Bembed_blank%26refer%3Dembed%26referer_url%3Dwww.skynews.com.au%252Flifestyle%252Fcelebrity-life%252Fbrian-for-short-bindi-irwins-sweet-nickname-for-brother-robert-revealed-in-resurfaced-home-video%252Fnews-story%252Ff54c68817c6db1bd2740a2d65e4c5447%26referer_video_id%3D7394995762217733392&image=https%3A%2F%2Fp16-sign-sg.tiktokcdn.com%2Fobj%2Ftos-alisg-p-0037%2Fd2e3d05f363d4cafb03f3b8877e4f244_1721781651%3Flk3s%3Db59d6b55%26x-expires%3D1727564400%26x-signature%3DqfH%252BN6M9O5jYn3IuA3O8SF04Tac%253D%26shp%3Db59d6b55%26shcp%3D-&key=59e3ae3acaa649a5a98672932445e203&type=text%2Fhtml&schema=tiktok" width="340" height="700" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p> <p>While cradling her baby brother, Bindi, who must've thought long and hard about the nickname said: "I think by the way he is, I'll call him Brian."</p> <p>Despite Steve's reminder that her brother's name is Robert, Bindi playfully insists "but I'll call him Brian for short".</p> <p>The clip then cuts to Steve holding baby Robert, tearing up as he tells the camera: "It's like the whole reason you've been put on Earth, is to do this." </p> <p>Fans flooded the comment section, with one saying: "The way Steve just accepted his name was Brian 😂😂😂"</p> <p> "Steve's nod. that's a parent choosing their battles with a toddler 😂" another added. </p> <p>"I swear, Steve Irwin was the Dad so many of us needed and wanted!" a third commented. </p> <p><em>Images: TikTok</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Cleo Smith's parents share heartwarming update

<p>Three years after her kidnapping, Cleo Smith is adjusting well to her normal life, with her parents sharing a heartwarming update. </p> <p>On Sunday, her parents shared the now seven-year-old's latest achievement - winning her first gymnastics competition. </p> <p>The snaps posted by <em>60 Minutes</em> on Facebook, showed Cleo smiling as she proudly held up a medal and certificate with all her ribbons on it after a routine on the balance beam. </p> <p>“Such a beautiful brave girl who Australia got to know. Glad she is doing so well and you should be so proud of your gymnastics achievement,” one commenter said on the post. </p> <p>“I love seeing an update on how she is going.”</p> <p>"Bless her little heart! Her whole family are the epitome of resilience," another added. </p> <p>"I think the whole of Australia is behind you Cleo! Well done," a third wrote. </p> <p>The update was shared just two months after the family shared a collection of photos of <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/family-pets/new-photos-of-cleo-smith-show-insight-into-her-life-after-kidnapping" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Cleo enjoying life</a> with her family. </p> <p>The snaps included Cleo celebrating her seventh birthday, a family fishing trip, and her playing with her little sister Isla, and their first day of school. </p> <p>Cleo was just four-years-old when she was kidnapped from her tent while camping with her family in Western Australia's Gascoyne region, around 10 hours north of Perth, on October 16, 2021. </p> <p>Police and rescue personnel spent nearly three weeks looking for her, and 18 days later she was found in Terrence Kelly's home in Carnarvon, just minutes away from her own family home. </p> <p>Kelly was arrested near the home and has been in custody in Perth since. He is appealing the 13-year and six-month prison sentence he received for the abduction. </p> <p>At an appeal hearing in February, the court was told Kelly has various mental impairments, including a severe personality dysfunction, which they say was a significant factor in the crime. </p> <p><em>Images: 60 Minutes Facebook</em></p>

Caring

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Grief-stricken father breaks silence after sons found dead

<p>The devastated father of the two young boys who were <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/mother-arrested-after-two-boys-found-dead-in-blue-mountains-home" target="_blank" rel="noopener">found dead</a> in their home in the Blue Mountains has spoken out about the "unimaginable" tragedy. </p> <p>Nick Smith found the bodies of his sons, Russell, 11, and Ben, 9, in their home in Faulconbridge on Tuesday afternoon. </p> <p>The children's mother and Nick's estranged ex-wife Trish Smith was arrested and spent Tuesday night under police guard in hospital, where she arrived in a stable condition but with self-inflicted wounds. </p> <p>Nick said the loss of their “beautiful boys” had caused “unimaginable pain and distress”.</p> <p>“Russell and Ben were happy, funny, outgoing boys, and were very much loved by their family and friends,” he said in a statement on Thursday.</p> <p>“Like other boys their age, they loved sports, soccer, the Penrith Panthers, fishing, books, music, spending time with their friends and Max their pup."</p> <p>“We cannot understand how our boys have been taken this way and we appreciate the kindness and compassion shown by the community.”</p> <p>Nick added they were requesting privacy at this time.</p> <p>Police are continuing their investigation into the tragedy and have refused to speculate on the events leading up to the deaths of the two boys, however, they confirmed hey are not looking for any other parties who could be involved. </p> <p style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; caret-color: #212529; color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji';">Blue Mountains Mayor Mark Greenhill expressed the community’s grief in a statement over the tragedy, writing, "Our community has lost two precious souls in the most awful circumstances. Now is a time to come together and remember these two beautiful children."</p> <p style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; caret-color: #212529; color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji';">NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb acknowledged the profound emotional toll the incident has had on law enforcement officers. "I think the older and more experience you get in this job, things like this still cut to the core. It’s a tragic situation," she said.</p> <p style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; caret-color: #212529; color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji';"><strong><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">Need to talk to someone? Don't go it alone. </em></strong></p> <p style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; caret-color: #212529; color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji';"><strong><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">Call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit lifeline.org.au</em></strong></p> <p style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; caret-color: #212529; color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji';"><strong><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636</em></strong></p> <p style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; caret-color: #212529; color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji';"><strong><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">SANE: 1800 187 263; saneforums.org</em></strong></p> <p style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; caret-color: #212529; color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji';"><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">Image credits: NSW Police</em></p> <p> </p>

Caring

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Mother arrested after two boys found dead in Blue Mountains home

<p>A mother has been arrested after the tragic discovery of her two sons, aged nine and 11, dead at their home in the Blue Mountains, New South Wales. The boys, Russell and Ben, were found by their father at the family's home in Faulconbridge shortly before 12:40pm.</p> <p>Their mother, Trish Smith, 42, was also found at the scene with several self-inflicted injuries. She has been taken to Westmead Hospital and is in a stable condition. No charges have been laid so far.</p> <p>Superintendent John Nelson of the Blue Mountains police confirmed that Mr Smith, the father, discovered the bodies and contacted authorities. "The father is helping us with inquiries, and he was the one who contacted police... all avenues are open for investigation," Nelson stated. While the police have not confirmed whether a weapon was involved, they are working to understand the sequence of events leading to the boys' deaths.</p> <p>The family, who had no prior history of domestic violence and minimal contact with the police, has left the community in shock. Superintendent Nelson said that the investigation is still in its early stages, and no speculation will be made at this time.</p> <p>The boys had attended school on Monday with no apparent issues, and authorities are now trying to trace their movements on Tuesday to piece together what might have happened.</p> <p>The nearby Springwood High School was involved in the emergency response as its oval was used as a helipad for medical evacuations. Homicide detectives from the State Crime Command have been assigned to the case, and police are continuing to speak with neighbours to uncover any possible motives.</p> <p>Blue Mountains Mayor Mark Greenhill expressed the community’s grief in a statement: "Our community has lost two precious souls in the most awful circumstances. Now is a time to come together and remember these two beautiful children."</p> <p>NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb acknowledged the profound emotional toll the incident has had on law enforcement officers. "I think the older and more experience you get in this job, things like this still cut to the core. It’s a tragic situation," she said.</p> <p>Authorities have confirmed that no one else is being sought in connection with the deaths, and there is no ongoing threat to the community.</p> <p>The investigation continues as police work to understand the full circumstances surrounding this heartbreaking incident.</p> <p><em><strong>Need to talk to someone? Don't go it alone. </strong></em></p> <p><em><strong>Call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit lifeline.org.au</strong></em></p> <p><em><strong>Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636</strong></em></p> <p><em><strong>SANE: 1800 187 263; saneforums.org</strong></em></p> <p><em>Image: Supplied</em></p>

Legal

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Network Seven claps back after Robert Ovadia's claims of "evil" conduct

<p>Channel Seven has clapped back at claims from former <em>7News</em> presenter Robert Ovadia that they are engaging in "evil" conduct, claiming they have found more inappropriate emails from the veteran journalist. </p> <p>Robert Ovadia, who worked with Seven for 23 years, was fired in June and has taken the matter to court claiming he was unfairly dismissed, while also claiming the network is hellbent on destroying his reputation. </p> <p>However, the network has finally spoke out about the claims, saying they have recent complaints from more female staffers about inappropriate behaviour. </p> <p>“Mr Ovadia commenced Federal Court proceedings against Seven over his dismissal for serious misconduct following the sending of inappropriate emails to a 23-year-old news producer and other employees of Seven," a Seven spokesman said.</p> <p>“In doing so, Seven is discharging its obligations to prevent sexual harassment at work, including as more recently expanded under recent legislation. Mr Ovadia was trained about these new legislative obligations by Seven and failed to comply with them.”</p> <p>The statement from the network went on to suggest there are further revelations to come, as more women have come forward with allegations of inappropriate conduct.</p> <p>“At the first hearing of those proceedings on Thursday, 29 August 2024 about Orders for the filing of evidence and timetable steps, Justice Raper asked Seven whether any other conduct would be relied upon by Seven other than set out in the termination letter," the spokesman said.</p> <p>“In that context, Seven confirmed it has had complaints or allegations about Mr Ovadia from 13 other employees. Although Seven was not required to provide examples of the other conduct it intends to rely on at this stage, Seven has provided Mr Ovadia and his lawyers examples of some of the inappropriate emails by Mr Ovadia, which will be further detailed in Seven’s defence required to be filed on 12 September 2024."</p> <p>“Out of respect for their privacy, Seven has not chosen to make further even more inappropriate emails public at this stage. In response to this, Mr Ovadia has made outlandish complaints about Seven being an ‘evil company’ with a ‘propaganda unit’ that is setting out to destroy his reputation. Seven is confident its position on this matter will be upheld by the Courts."</p> <p>In response to the statement, Ovadia took to Instagram to take another swing at his former employer while also maintaining his innocence. </p> <p>“I can be crass, I can be blunt, I can be obnoxious, my humour is dark – 20 years surrounded by trauma and danger will do all of that to you – but I do NOT mistreat women,” Mr Ovadia said in a lengthy Instagram post.</p> <p>“I’ll expect more smear over the coming months as this evil company (in whose service I risked my life and safety many times) now seeks to destroy my reputation further,” Mr Ovadia said.</p> <p>“When this kicked off, the day Seven first leaked this story, my teenage daughter asked if people will think her dad is a rapist. At least <em>Four Corners</em>’ laboured hatchet job got one thing right – the Seven Network is diabolical.”</p> <p>The journalist went on to share screenshots of conversations he had with female staffers who shared their words of support for Ovadia, saying they believe the allegations are false. </p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram </em></p>

Legal

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Aussie Olympic judge sent home after “inappropriate act”

<p>Australian surfing judge Ben Lowe has been sent home from the Paris Games after an "inappropriate" photo with an athlete went viral. </p> <p>Lowe posed for a photo with Aussie surfer Ethan Ewing and his coach Bede Durbidge on the beaches of Tahiti - the largest island in French Polynesia where the Olympic surfing competition is taking place - to celebrate Ewing making it to the quarter finals. </p> <p>The photo of the men soon went viral with the caption, “Three Straddie (North Stradbroke Island) boys doing their stuff at the Olympics.”</p> <p>Despite the photo seeming completely harmless, the International Surfing Association (ISA) took swift action against Lowe.</p> <p>According to the ISA, Lowe, an experienced World Surf League judge, has been stood down in accordance with the ISA’s code of conduct and the International Olympic Committee’s code of ethics. </p> <p>The ISA released a statement overnight saying it removed Lowe from the judging panel for the remainder of the competition to "protect the integrity and fairness of the ongoing competition".</p> <p>"The ISA is aware of a photo circulating on social media in which one of the Olympic surfing judges from Australia is seen socially interacting with an Australian athlete and the team manager," the ISA said.</p> <p>"It is inappropriate for a judge to be interacting in this manner with an athlete and their team."</p> <p>The surfing federation said it had "communicated with all judges and teams to remind them of their responsibilities regarding appropriate behaviour".</p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram</em></p> <p> </p> <p> </p>

Travel Trouble

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Robert Downey Jr announces shock Marvel return

<p>Robert Downey Jr. has sensationally announced his return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe at the San Diego Comic-Con on Saturday. </p> <p>The actor, who has been instrumental in the build up of the franchise with his role as Iron Man/ Tony Stark, before the character was killed off in the <em>Avengers: Endgame</em> finale, will return to screens as one of Marvel Comics' original villains, Dr. Doom. </p> <p>The moment Downey Jr.'s return was unveiled has since gone viral.</p> <p>In the video clip, studio head Kevin Feige announced two upcoming films <em>Avengers: Doomsday</em> and <em>Avengers: Secret Wars, </em>while surrounded by rows of figures in green robes wearing Doom's iconic metal mask. </p> <p>Joe Russo, one of the directors for <em>Avengers: Infinity War</em> and <em>Endgame</em>, then said: </p> <p>"As proof of the unlimited possibilities of the Marvel [Multiverse], we give you the one person who could play Victor von Doom."</p> <p>Downey Jr, among the dozens of others wearing metal masks dressed as Dr. Doom, coyly walked to the front of the stage and took of his mask to a thunderous response from the crowd. </p> <p>"New mask, same task," the actor said.</p> <p> He added, "I tell ya, I like playing complicated characters."</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C98vrwXvgSc/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C98vrwXvgSc/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Marvel Studios (@marvelstudios)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>“If we’re going to bring Doctor Doom to the screen — he is one of the most complex characters, most entertaining characters in all of fiction,” said Joe Russo.</p> <p>“If we’re going to do this … then we are going to need the greatest actor in the world,” he added.</p> <p><em>Avengers: Doomsday </em>will be out in cinemas on May 2026, with <em>Avengers: Secret Wars</em> set to be released the following year. </p> <p><em>Image: John Salangsang/ Shutterstock Editorial</em></p> <p> </p>

Movies

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Robert Irwin hits back over nasty reports about mum

<p>Robert Irwin has hit back at the nasty comments about his close relationship with mum Terri Irwin. </p> <p>The wildlife conservationist appeared with<em> I’m A Celebrity...</em>  co-star Julia Morris on <em>The Kyle & Jackie O</em> show on Monday morning to discuss their Gold Logie nominations, when Kyle Sandilands expressed his surprise that Terri didn't join Robert in the studio for the interview. </p> <p>“Are you saying that the press reports are inaccurate that everywhere you go, your mother’s there?” Sandilands asked. </p> <p>“I hear it all the time but I don’t believe it’s even true.”</p> <p>Robert laughed and jokingly responded: “Who would’ve thought press reports are inaccurate?” </p> <p>But, co-host Julia Morris was quick to come to his defence. </p> <p>“Can I just address that because it drives me absolutely nuts,” she said on-air.</p> <p>“It takes all my strength not to go onto the internet and go absolutely spare every time [Robert and Terri headlines are] written. All I want you to do is every time you see that written that, you know, ‘Terri hangs around’, I want you to go directly to who’s written that story and know that that person hates their parents.”</p> <p>“If you’ve got parents that are as unbelievably awesome as Terri, and you have a great relationship, you want them to be around at all times,” she added.</p> <p>“If you’re trying to hide stuff from your parents, or your parents are constantly badgering or at you, then you don’t want them around and you can’t get why anyone would want their parents around, you know?” she concluded. </p> <p>Robert then chimed in and explained that people often don't understand his close relationship with his mother, and how they became especially tight as a family following Steve Irwin's death in 2006. </p> <p>“I think loss brings a family together like nothing else. People forget,” he said.</p> <p>“I think when we lost dad, our little tight knit family unit became incredibly tight.”</p> <p>“And we travel with the whole family everywhere most of the time. It’s nice.”</p> <p>This comes after a few <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/travel/international-travel/every-day-is-precious-fans-defend-robert-irwin-over-posts-with-mum" target="_blank" rel="noopener">trolls</a> criticised his close relationship to his mother during a trip to the US back in May. </p> <p>A few outlets have also suggested that the mother and son are unhealthily attached, but many fans have since defended their close relationship. </p> <p>“People saying why Robert has he’s mum in so many photos. Remember every day is precious. Life is fragile. The Irwin’s like millions of other families have experienced loss on a monumental scale,” one wrote on Instagram. </p> <p><em>Image: The Kyle and Jackie O Show</em></p>

Family & Pets

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New photos of Cleo Smith show insight into her life after kidnapping

<p>Almost three years after being abducted from a campsite, heartwarming new photos show how Cleo Smith is living as a happy school girl and big sister. </p> <p>In October 2021, Cleo Smith, who was four years old at the time, made international headlines after she was snatched from a campsite as she slept alongside her mother, stepfather and baby sister at the Blowholes campsite, about 960km north of Perth, Western Australia.</p> <p>A state-wide police operation was launched in search for Cleo, who was four years old at the time, which led to her dramatic rescue 18 days later.</p> <p>Now, almost three years after the horrific abduction and intense media scrutiny, Cleo, who is now seven years old, is adjusting to a normal life. </p> <p>A collection of photos, shared to Instagram by <em>60 Minutes</em>, showed a beaming Cleo enjoying life with her family, as one photo showed Cleo smiling along with her mother, Ellie Smith, stepdad Jake Gliddon, and little sister, Isla.</p> <p>The snapshots revealed happy moments of young Cleo's life, including a family fishing trip, Isla's first birthday, her seventh birthday and the sisters' first day at school in 2024.</p> <p>"Cleo Smith, all grown up. The seven-year-old is enjoying life in Western Australia, loving school and being a big sister to Isla," <em>60 Minutes</em> wrote.</p> <p>The photos received an overwhelming response from social media users all around the world, with many sharing well wishes for the family and for Cleo. </p> <p>"Beautiful to see the family so happy and healthy," one person wrote. </p> <p>"Bless your heart, so glad you are living your best life," another person commented. </p> <p>A third person wrote, "It's so good to see her happy! I followed her story from Argentina. Keep enjoying life Cleo!"</p> <p><em>Image credits: 60 Minutes / Instagram </em></p>

Family & Pets

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"No disrespect": Home and Away star's swipe at Robert Irwin's Logie nomination

<p><em>Home and Away</em> veteran Lynne McGranger has taken a savage swipe at Robert Irwin, who has earned his first Gold Logie nomination. </p> <p>The young wildlife warrior is among a group of Aussie TV old-hands in the running for the 2024 Gold Logie, with the 20-year-old being the youngest male ever nominated for the award. </p> <p>Also battling it out for the Gold is Larry Emdur, Andy Lee, Asher Keddie, Julia Morris, Sonia Kruger, and ABC's Tony Armstrong.</p> <p>The nomination comes hot on the heels of Irwin's TV debut as co-host of <em>I'm A Celebrity... Get Me out of Here!</em> alongside Julia Morris, as he took over from Dr Chris Brown for the 2024 season. </p> <p>After Robert's nomination was announced, despite how well the new season of <em>I'm A Celeb</em> was received, many wondered how someone with so little TV experience could find himself in the running for the award. </p> <p>One of those skeptics was <em>Home and Away</em> actress Lynne McGranger, who made a cheeky swipe towards Robert when commenting in support of her Channel Seven colleague Larry Emdur who is up for the award for the first time.</p> <p>"I'm sorry but ol'mate Irwin has been on telly for a bloody minute!! No disrespect intended. #Lazforgold 🫶🏾🥇😍" she wrote on Larry's Instagram post, with over 300 people liking the comment.</p> <p>The comment came after Larry shared a screenshot of a message he was sent, with someone congratulating him on the nomination but telling him they'd be voting for Irwin.</p> <p>Lynne's rogue comment was met with mainly support from people.</p> <p>"You said what everyone is thinking," one person said. "I agree 💯 #Lazforgold all the way! No disrespect intended for Irwin … Larry has my vote 🙌 he truly deserves to win 🥇," another commented.</p> <p>"You have my first vote ever today, only for you Larry, for the laughter that lights up my life!" another dedicated fan said.</p> <p>Lynne's comments weren't the first time someone called out Robert's nomination, after sister Bindi Irwin was quick to <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/family-pets/it-just-got-real-bindi-irwin-s-cheeky-swipe-at-brother" target="_blank" rel="noopener">tease</a> on Instagram. </p> <p style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; caret-color: #212529; color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji';">Bindi took to social media to share a cheeky throwback post of her clutching her own Silver Logie in 2008, for Most Popular New Female Talent for her work in <em style="box-sizing: border-box;">Bindi the Jungle Girl</em>. </p> <p style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; caret-color: #212529; color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji';">“Hey Australia, vote for my awesome brother so he can catch up to me 16 years later …” she captioned the post.</p> <p style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; caret-color: #212529; color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji';">"At least mine's gold," Robert teased, to which Bindi replied "You haven't won it yet..." alongside a laughing emoji. </p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram </em></p> <p> </p>

TV

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Pauline Hanson responds to Robert Irwin's defamation claims

<p>Pauline Hanson's lawyers have slammed Robert Irwin's “nonsensical”, after he <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/robert-irwin-threatens-to-sue-pauline-hanson-over-defamatory-cartoon" target="_blank" rel="noopener">threatened to take legal action</a> against the politician over the latest controversial episode of her Youtube series <em>Please Explain</em>. </p> <p>The satirical cartoon, features Irwin's misadventures with Bluey as they attempt to promote a new tourism campaign for Queensland.</p> <p>In the video, their car was stolen by "juvenile delinquents" before Bluey falls into a giant pothole, and then they had to wait six months for healthcare. </p> <p>Irwin's lawyers alleged that the cartoon was defamatory and involved the “unauthorised and deceptive use of our client’s image”, and demanded them to remove it from social media by 5pm Monday. </p> <p>However, the politician has ignored their threats of taking legal action, with her lawyers responding that the video was a “satirical assessment of the various failings of the Queensland State Government”  and that it was not defamatory in any way. </p> <p>They said that the video, which referenced a recent tourism campaign Irwin was in, was “a humorous critique of that advertisement published primarily for a political purpose”.</p> <p>“Your clients’ claims of passing off and defamation are so plainly inconsistent as to be nonsensical," they wrote in a letter addressed to Irwin's lawyers. </p> <p>“It is difficult to comprehend how a viewer could understand that the video represents an affiliation with your client if he is also being defamed in the same publication.”</p> <p>Hanson also insisted that she would not take down the video. </p> <p>“I will not be removing the latest episode of Pauline Hanson’s Please Explain,” she wrote on X, formerly Twitter. </p> <p>“I look forward to the day when Robert and I can have a good laugh over this and turn our focus to making Queensland a better state.”</p> <p><em>Image: Instagram/ X/ Getty</em></p>

Legal

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Robert Irwin threatens to sue Pauline Hanson over "defamatory" cartoon

<p>Robert Irwin has threatened to sue One Nation leader Pauline Hanson for defamation. </p> <p>In the latest episode of Pauline Hanson's cartoon series <em>Please Explain</em>, Irwin claimed that he was mocked after it depicted him and Bluey promoting a new tourism campaign for Queensland.</p> <p>The episode satirically depicted Irwin attempting to show Bluey the best of Queensland, but mocked the state's housing crisis, youth crime, and health care. </p> <p>At one point in the cartoon, the pair mistake a long queue for a rental property for a line at Movie World. </p> <p>FC Lawyers, who are acting on behalf of the wildlife conservationist, have sent a cease and desist letter to StepMates Studios, the production team behind Pauline Hanson’s <em> </em>cartoon series.</p> <p>In the letter obtained by <em>NewsWire</em>,  Irwin's lawyer claimed that the cartoon is defamatory and  involves the “unauthorised and deceptive use of our client’s image”.</p> <p>“You are potentially liable to our client in respect of defamation, deceptive use of a person’s image, passing off and misleading and deceptive conduct,” the letter sates. </p> <p>“We will commence legal action against you if you do not take down the video immediately.”</p> <p>The letter also claims that the cartoon tarnished Irwin's reputation and misled the public, causing “significant harm to our client’s brand and image”.</p> <p>“We are concerned that the unlawful use of our client’s image may be an attempt to pass off yourself or party as currently being affiliated or otherwise authorised by us, which you are not,” it continues.</p> <p>“This unlawful use has the potential to mislead or deceive consumers into believing that you have.</p> <p>“The use of our client’s image and name on the video is capable of leading not an insignificant number of reasonable and/or ordinary people into erroneously believing that the Pauline Hanson is associated with Robert.”</p> <p>Some people have defended Irwin's move, saying: "It is Pauline Hanson who is the politician and she has a record of trying to sue others when offended."</p> <p>"She likes to dish it out but can’t take it which will cost her at the ballot box!"</p> <p>"What about when Pauline Hanson threatened legal action over Pauline Pantsdown," another added. </p> <p>However, a few others have called him a "snowflake" and told him to "grow up". </p> <p>"Your dad would [have] had a good laugh at Pauline's cartoon. Grow up, stop being a snowflake!" one person wrote on X.</p> <p>"Robert Irwin is very thin skinned he needs a laugh," another added. </p> <p><em>Images: news.com.au/ Instagram/ Getty</em></p>

Legal

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Robert Irwin called “hypocrite” over new TV ad appearance

<p>Robert Irwin has faced some backlash online after appearing in a new TV ad for a classic Aussie snack.  </p> <p>The star appeared alongside G-Flip in an ad for Twisties, where the pair argued over what flavour should be crowned Australia’s official Twistie. </p> <p>In the ad, Robert advocated for Aussies to vote for the chicken flavour, while G-Flip advocated for the cheese flavour. </p> <p>“To my chookstituants. I say chicken is the people’s Twistie. Sure, cheese came first but secondborns were made to perfection, sorry Bindi,” Robert said in the ad. </p> <p>“Chicken has always been the taste of our great southern land.”</p> <p>Robert also posted the TV ad on his Instagram with the caption: “Repping Team Chicken in Twisties great flavour debate was not on my 2024 bingo card! But when Twisties calls, you answer. So let’s bring it home for chicken and prove team cheese wrong!” </p> <p>Unfortunately, it didn't get a good response from fans, with many calling the star a "hypocrite" for advocating a meat-based product despite being an animal activist. </p> <p>“This has really surprised me and I’m a little disappointed! With all the knowledge we have now of the c**p that goes into food like this, and of all people, I never thought I’d see this,” one person wrote.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C7itqrcvwC_/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C7itqrcvwC_/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Robert Irwin (@robertirwinphotography)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>“For someone who loves animals it surprises me he’d be for either of these products who abuse and torture living beings,” another added. </p> <p>“Why are pushing for chicken if you are such an animal lover? No animals have to die for cheese," a third said. </p> <p>"How you gonna say you’re a conservationist and then promote a product that is made with chicken fat and milk? Make it make sense bro," a fourth added.</p> <p>Another wondered why Robert wasn't vegan or at least vegetarian saying: "someone who loves and cares about animals like you should care about the animals in the meat industry too." </p> <p>According to Yahoo, Robert was paid an eye-watering $200,000 for appearing in the 48-second clip. </p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

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