Madeleine West comments on AVO ahead of court date with father in law

Australian actor Madeleine West has spoken out as police seek an apprehended violence order against her on behalf of her ex-father-in-law. She faces court next month.

Former soap star Madeleine West has said “the court will expose the truth” as police seek an apprehended violence order against her on behalf of her ex’s father.

West, 41, is set to face Byron Bay Local Court on June 6 after NSW Police sought an AVO against her on behalf of Benny Clifton Bennett.

Madeleine West.

Mr Bennett is the father of West’s ex-de facto of 13 years, celebrity chef Shannon Bennett.

West issued a brief exclusive statement after the Byron Shire News contacted her about her upcoming court appearance last week.

Madeleine West pictured helping clean out buildings in Lismore with a group of volunteers after the floods earlier in 2022. Picture: Jonathan Ng

“I will not be commenting on these issues, as they are before the court, I will not be giving them any oxygen,” West said through her publicist.

“Determination of the proceedings will reveal the true position – the court will expose the truth.”

There are no criminal charges associated with the application by NSW Police.

West and the younger Mr Bennett split in 2018 and share six children.

Madeleine West in 2020. Picture: Tony Gough

The former couple both live in the Byron Shire area after Mr Bennett relocated from Melbourne, where he was previously the celebrated head chef of Vue de Monde.

West previously starred in Australian soap Neighbours as Dee Bliss and in a range of other Australian television productions.

She has most recently indicated her aspirations to run as an independent for Ballina in the 2023 NSW state election.