Bindi Irwin Quits Social Media After Revealing 'Enormous Pain' Caused By Rift With Grandfather Bob
Bindi Irwin has decided to step away from social media, one day after her allegations against her grandfather made headlines.
To celebrate Father's Day, the 22-year-old married mother of one took to social media to honor "the three most incredible fathers" in her life: her dad, Steve Irwin; her husband, Chandler Powell; and her father-in-law, Chris Powell.
It was after a fan asked why Bob Irwin, Steve's father, was not included in the tribute that Bindi made the claim that her grandpa has wanted nothing to do with her or her family for years, even though they have allegedly been financially supporting him for nearly three decades.
The media coverage, or perhaps the situation itself, seems to have had a strong impact on Bindi.
"Hi guys, Just a note to say thank you for your support," she captioned a black-and-white closeup shot with her 3-month-old daughter, Grace Warrior Irwin Powell. "I'm taking a break from social media and most of my work in the public eye for a month to be with my beautiful daughter and my wonderful family."
"I feel tremendously grateful to share our life and conservation work with you but I need some time to focus on the happiness that is my family (both human and animal)," added the Crikey! It's the Irwins star. "You can keep up with our adventures by following my family and Australia Zoo on social media."
She went on, "Recently, I've had many people reaching out to share their own stories of working hard to protect their mental health. Thank you for sharing and speaking your truth. To my friends who are dealing with depression, anxiety and other battles every day - I see you. These issues are very real and deserve to be discussed and addressed."
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She urged her 4.7 million followers to "surround yourself with the light of people who genuinely care about you and will support you during the good times and the hard times. Remember there are helplines available. Mental health deserves more understanding and support instead of being dismissed or patronised. You are absolutely worthy of love and kindness."
Bindi's 24-year-old wakeboarder hubby from Florida showed his wife support with a social media post of his own. Sharing the same photo she did, he wrote, "You inspire me with your unwavering kindness and your ability to stand up for what is right. You are the strongest and most beautiful person inside and out. Grace has an amazing mama to look up to."
On Sunday, Bindi claimed Bob "has returned gifts I've sent him after he opened them, he has ignored my correspondence and from the time I was a little girl he has ignored me, preferring to spend time doing anything else rather than being with me," adding, "He has never said a single kind word to me personally."
She explained that even though the situation "breaks [her] heart," she ultimately knows "it is not healthy to engage in an abusive relationship."
She also claimed that her mother, Terri Irwin, "still writes to [Bob] and sends birthday and Christmas gifts to him with no response."
According to Bindi, the Irwins have financially supported Bob since 1992, "when he retired from Australia Zoo." She says they send him money weekly and even "built him a house on a beautiful property."
Despite her heartbreak and pain, Bindi says she and her family will "always do our best to ensure his well-being" and that she wants "Bob's happiness in life" but cannot fall victim to his alleged behavior any longer.