Trans activist discusses mental health amid legal fight with ex

A trans activist candidly discussed their mental health struggles after being charged with destroying their ex-partner’s fence during Fashion Week.

Transgender advocate and author Deni Todorovic was dressed to the nines as he opened up about his struggles with mental health after being charged with destroying his ex’s property.

The stylist, who is non-binary, appeared in Burwood Local Court on Monday after being charged with destroying their ex-partner’s fence after a tumultuous Australian Fashion Week.

They were impeccably dressed in a designer outfit of Camilla and Marc, Dolce and Gabbana, sparkling red Viktor and Rolf shoes and carried a Hermes Herbag made famous by Kim Kardashian.

The former Cosmopolitan style editor has been charged with inflicting less than $2000 worth of damage to a fence belonging to his former partner Mitchell Peter Latham on an evening in May.

Queer author Ratko Denis ‘Deni’ Todorovic has been charged with property destruction. Picture: Supplied

Police allege they wrecked their ex-partner’s fence. Picture: Supplied

The couple had confirmed their relationship in an Instagram video during this year’s Mardi Gras celebrations in March.

“You have been some of the best 5 weeks of love, I have had the honour of experiencing in my 35 short laps around the sun,” Todorovic wrote.

“Here’s to another 5 weeks, months, days, hours, years, decades, life times.”

The former Seafolly brand ambassador allegedly destroyed his ex-partner’s fence after he was banned from Afterpay Fashion Week in Sydney in May.

The Geelong native, whose full name is Ratko Denis Todorovic, said the alleged incident happened when he was in the throes of a mental health episode.

“There was no physical violence that occurred; it was all mental health related,” they said.

“I am innocent.”

A restraining order has been taken out against the transgender activist. Picture: Lisa Maree Williams/Getty Images for Acler

Police have taken out an apprehended violence order for Latham’s benefit as the matter goes through the courts.

On Monday, Burwood Court was told Todorovic had involuntarily been checked into a facility on the NSW South Coast for help with his mental health, where he spent the following month.

“It was related to my suicide attempt. One of many,” they said outside court.

The trans author told NCA NewsWire the experience had been “life changing” and they would continue to engage with therapy and treatment.

They were candid about their repeated attempts to take their life and noted the suicide rate was 15 times higher for trans people.

“When you actually taunt a trans person, you are handing them a bullet,” the stylist emphasised.

Todorovic famously collaborated with Seafolly for Sydney World Pride. Picture: Instagram

The relationship has reportedly soured. Picture: Instagram

They were wearing two gold engagement rings as they opened up about their grieving process after losing the “love of their life” six months ago.

Todorovic made headlines earlier this year following relationship breakdowns with brands Bonds and Seafolly.

They made a series of concerning social media posts at the time of the property destruction charge and restraining order, prompting their family to assure followers they were “in good hands”.

The queer activist said they were trying to focus on looking forward after enrolling in a fashion business degree and beginning to write a second book.

Todorovic’s first book, Love This For You, was released in November 2022 and focused on how to live an authentic life.

“From trauma comes great art,” they said.

The author was supported in court by his mother Maca, who travelled from Geelong. Picture: Supplied

The Geelong native said they respected Latham and would not elaborate further on the legal proceedings.

“Due to the legal and very serious matter of this, and due to the fact that I would not like my reputation to be defamed, I won’t give any further comment,” they said.

“I’m just a little f***ot in Dolce and Gabbana at a court case, this isn’t that important!”

Todorovic will return to court on September 11.

Originally published as Trans activist discusses mental health amid legal fight with ex