Scenic Rim Mayor Greg Christensen slams ‘bullies’ over rumour his wife is terminally ill as he’s campaigning for re-election

The mayor of the Scenic Rim has released an extraordinary video slamming “gutless cowards” spreading a false rumour about his wife.

SCENIC Rim Mayor Greg Christensen has released an extraordinary video slamming “gutless cowards” spreading a false rumour his wife is terminally ill as he’s vying for re-election.

“Leave my family alone,” he demands in the emotional personal message posted to his political Facebook page late Wednesday night.

Cr Christensen, who’s trying to lock in a second term, said he “copped abuse on the street in Beaudesert” on Tuesday morning after the tall tale spread from Boonah.

“And when I sought out why people were abusing me I discovered it’s because there’s a rumour out there that has been started that my wife has a terminal illness, and what sort of a person am I that I am still running for mayor when I should be taking care of my wife,” he said.

Scenic Rim Mayor Greg Christensen in a screenshot from the fiery video released to his Facebook page late Wednesday night.

“The words weren’t quite that polite. There is no truth to this rumour.”

Cr Christensen said his “wonderful” wife Denise was well, they were both shocked and he was concerned friends, extended family and his children would be blindsided.

He said he had come to the conclusion the rumour was a “disgusting” political attack aimed at damaging his campaign, but did not say who may be responsible.

In the four minute video, Cr Christensen said similar rumours were circulating during his 2016 campaign “and we sat silent”.

“But tonight I’m not prepared to sit silent anymore. It is outrageous,” he said.

Cr Christensen said he expected bullies would “have the guts to come to my face”.

“What sort of people think that’s OK? I can only conclude given an election campaign it’s for the purposes of someone trying to gain electoral benefit. You can make your own conclusions,” he said.

Scenic Rim Mayor Greg Christensen. Picture: Cordell Richardson.

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“I have worked for four years, I have said no to bullying and I have copped a lot of abuse for being weak … that these behaviours have always been around and ‘toughen up’.

“Well, I’m sorry. We tell our kids ‘say no to bullying’. But I can tell you, this started in the community of Boonah, same as last time.”

Cr Christensen called on the “majority” of the community to stand up to old-school bullies”.

“I don’t care how rich they are, they’re just gutless cowards and if that’s the level of integrity that you think is worthy of leading this region, than I’m certainly not your man,” he said.

Cr Christensen was thrust into the national media spotlight late last year as destructive bushfires tore through parts of the Scenic Rim.