Robert Irwin sparks fierce backlash over new TV advert appearance

Robert Irwin is facing a wave of backlash from fans on social media over his appearance in a new Aussie television advert.

Rob Irwin is facing fierce backlash on social media after appearing in a new TV advertisement.

The star appears alongside G-Flip in the advert for Twisties in which the pair argue over what flavour should be crowned Australia’s official Twistie.

Rob Irwin has sparked backlash on social media following his latest TV appearance. Picture: Twitter.

Donning the colours of green and gold, Robert advocated for Australians to vote for the chicken flavour, while G-Flip fights for the cheese flavour.

“To my chookstituants. I say chicken is the people’s Twistie. Sure, cheese came first but secondborns were made to perfection, sorry Bindi,” says the star in the advert.

“Chicken has always been the taste of our great southern land.”

Irwin also shared the video to his social media, where he wrote 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!”

Sadly for the wildlife lover, the comments were quickly filled with negative remarks about his appearance, with many hitting out at the star for being a “hypocrite” for supporting a meat-based product despite being an animal activist.

“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.

Some fans of Irwin have hit out at the star for advertising meat-based products while being an animal activist. Photo: Ethan Miller/Getty Images.

“For someone who loves animals it surprises me he’d be for either of these products who abuse and torture living beings,” another said.

A third hit out, saying: “Why are pushing for chicken if you are such an animal lover? No animals have to die for cheese.”

“I’m honestly surprised that you aren’t vegan, or at least vegetarian @robertirwinphotography someone who loves and cares about animals like you should care about the animals in the meat industry too,” ranted another.

It’s no wonder Irwin agreed to do the advert, however, after reports emerged that he was paid an eye-watering amount for the 48-second clip.

According to Yahoo, he was paid “at least $200,000” for his time. It’s the latest in a string of massive pay days for Irwin, who was reported to have earned almost $500,000 to present Network Ten’s I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here Australia earlier this year.

Originally published as Robert Irwin sparks fierce backlash over new TV advert appearance