The scandalous sagas Qld can’t get enough of in 2025
From influencer spats and shock bust-ups, to fiery feuds and brain explosions, these are the scandals Queenslanders can’t get enough of in 2025.
QLD News
Don't miss out on the headlines from QLD News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
From chef feuds to footy trash talk, there has been no shortage of scandals across Queensland in 2025.
We look at the ones that hogged headlines and got us talking >>>
Brooke v Nagi
The dispute between Nagi Maehashi, founder of RecipeTin Eats, and Brooke Bellamy, owner of Brooki Bakehouse, began when Maehashi accused Bellamy of plagiarising recipes in her cookbook Bake with Brooki.
Maehashi claimed Bellamy’s caramel slice and baklava recipes closely resembled hers and raised concerns about other recipes in the book.
Bellamy denied the allegations, saying she had been making the caramel slice since 2016 and provided photos to support her claim.
She also offered to remove the disputed recipes from future editions. Penguin Random House, Bellamy’s publisher, backed her and rejected the plagiarism claims.
The case sparked wider debate about recipe ownership, with legal experts noting that while the specific wording of a recipe can be protected, the ingredients and methods usually can’t. This made the legal boundaries around recipe sharing unclear.
Despite the public fallout, Maehashi later urged people to stop targeting Bellamy personally, emphasising that her focus was on protecting original content and promoting ethical publishing, not on personal attacks.
Testa v Paul
The dispute between influencers Mikaela Testa and Anna Paul unfolded in early 2025 and captivated audiences across social media platforms.
The conflict began when Testa released an eight-minute video accusing Paul of unethical behaviour, including exploiting fans, fabricating aspects of her background, and making derogatory remarks about supporters.
The situation intensified when Testa disclosed details about her past relationship with Anna’s brother, Atis Paul.
In response to the allegations, Anna and Atis Paul publicly defended themselves, denying Testa’s claims and presenting counterarguments.
Anna released a 26-minute video addressing the accusations, while Atis shared his perspective through social media posts.
Testa countered with additional TikTok videos, further elaborating on her experiences and reinforcing her initial assertions.
The feud garnered widespread attention, drawing comparisons to other high-profile influencer disputes.
Read more on their ongoing beef here.
Hembrow v Zukowski
Tammy Hembrow announced her divorce from Matt Zukowski this week, just seven months after their high-profile wedding in Byron Bay.
The couple, who became engaged in December 2023 after a brief courtship, had been the subject of speculation due to social media activity and public appearances.
Hembrow confirmed the split in an emotional TikTok video, expressing feelings of humiliation and heartbreak, and acknowledging personal accountability for the relationship’s end.
In her announcement, Hembrow refrained from detailing the reasons behind the divorce, citing sensitivity towards all involved.
She admitted to making poor relationship choices and emphasised her commitment to personal growth and healing. The fitness influencer, who has three children from previous relationships, highlighted the emotional toll the separation has taken on her family.
Matt Zukowski, known from Love Island Australia, also addressed the separation on Instagram, stating that the decision was difficult but necessary for their personal wellbeing and that of Hembrow’s children.
He expressed sadness over the split and a desire to move forward amicably.
Read the latest on the saga here.
Leniu v JT
The confrontation between Sydney Roosters prop Spencer Leniu and NRL legend Johnathan Thurston in April stemmed from lingering tensions over a racial vilification incident involving Leniu the previous year.
In the 2024 season opener in Las Vegas, Leniu directed a racial slur at Brisbane Broncos player Ezra Mam, resulting in an eight-match suspension.
Thurston, a prominent Indigenous figure in rugby league, publicly criticised the NRL’s handling of the incident, advocating for a 12-match ban to underscore the seriousness of racial abuse in the sport.
The animosity resurfaced during a match between the Roosters and the Broncos at Suncorp Stadium.
Post-game, Leniu allegedly confronted Thurston on the sidelines, expressing his displeasure with Thurston’s previous comments.
Thurston described the encounter as “aggressive in tone and unwarranted,” noting that Leniu’s remarks were not racially charged but were unexpectedly hostile.
Following the incident, Leniu took to social media to defend his actions, accusing Thurston of being “two-faced” and “fake”.
The NRL did not impose further sanctions on Leniu, as no formal complaints were lodged by Thurston or his employer, Channel 9.
Read more on rugby league’s most bitter spat here
Steph Rice flees Australia
In early 2024, Olympic gold medallist Stephanie Rice publicly embraced Christianity, sharing her spiritual journey on social media. She described this period as a transformative time, stating, “Two months ago I gave my life to God. The journey since then has been wild, to say the least, but I wouldn’t have it any other way”.
Rice’s new-found faith led to significant life changes, including a move to Dubai and her marriage to pastor Mark Lassey in January 2025.
However, her rapid transformation and move overseas sparked concern among some friends and family, who feared she had become involved in a cult. Rice addressed these concerns, acknowledging that such reactions were understandable given the dramatic shift in her life.
Facing public scrutiny, Rice encountered criticism labelling her as “brainwashed” and “indoctrinated.”
She responded to these accusations by emphasising the positive impact of her faith, stating, “If it is (a cult), I’m feeling the best I ever have and work has been better than ever and I’m in a relationship after being single for seven or eight years, aren’t you happy for me that I’m in a good place?”.
Despite the backlash, Rice remains steadfast in her beliefs, crediting her faith with providing a sense of purpose and fulfilment.
Read more on her journey here.
Paul Burt v public opinion
Veteran weatherman Paul Burt faced a fresh storm in April – this time from the court of public opinion.
The former Channel 7 personality, who was sacked last year amid widespread network redundancies, drew backlash for an apology many labelled tone-deaf after misogynistic remarks aired on his fishing and adventure show Step Outside with Paul Burt.
Though the vile comments were made by a guest and not Burt himself, viewers were outraged that the footage made it to air at all.
During a cooking segment, the guest joked: “Beat the egg like you beat the missus … that’s what I do. Tie her to a tree and beat her with fencing wire.”
Burt issued a statement saying he was appalled by what went to air. But instead of taking full responsibility, he blamed the mishap on a former show editor who allegedly quit mid-production.
“I had thought the offensive comments had been removed,” Burt said, adding that he’d put structures in place to ensure it would not happen again.
However many fans weren’t buying it.
Read more on the fallout here.
Slater v Woods
The controversy began when Woods, now a media personality, referred to Slater as a “grub” during a Triple M radio segment, criticising Slater’s decision to drop captain Daly Cherry-Evans ahead of Game II.
Woods’s comment was a reference to a 2006 incident during Slater’s playing career.
Slater responded emotionally at a press conference, condemning Woods’s remarks as derogatory and questioning his suitability for a media role.
He emphasised the responsibility that comes with media positions, stating, “When you degrade someone personally in a derogatory manner, you probably don’t deserve one of those privileged positions.”
During his response, Slater referenced the late Queensland coach Paul Green, who died by suicide in 2022 and was later found to have suffered from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
Slater suggested that the pressures of coaching might have contributed to Green’s death. This linkage drew criticism, as it was seen as an inappropriate connection.
Slater subsequently apologised publicly and personally to Green’s widow, Amanda, who accepted the apology and commended Slater’s sincerity.
The incident sparked broader discussions about media conduct and the responsibilities of public figures.
Originally published as The scandalous sagas Qld can’t get enough of in 2025
Man dead after reported stabbing at suburban Brisbane party
A man has been found deceased after emergency services were called to reports of a stabbing at Clayfield, where police say a large party took place.
Bleijie’s Indigenous ultimatum: Get on board or stay out of the way
Jarrod Bleijie has told Indigenous advocates Victoria Park Stadium will be going ahead no matter what, and he’s given them two options.