Rob Irwin says Australia turned ‘against’ Terri Irwin after his dad died

In the months after Steve Irwin died, his wife Terri faced another indescribably hard battle.

Robert Irwin has revealed that his family felt the public turning against his mother after Steve Irwin’s tragic death.

Steve died in 2006 after being stung by a stingray in a freak accident that left the world stunned.

Terri Irwin felt as if Australia had turned against her in the months after Steve’s death. Picture: Russell Shakespeare

His untimely passing was not just a huge loss for the family but also a moment that saw the public’s faith in Terri waver.

In a new interview, Terri’s son, Robert Irwin, has revealed that the family felt Aussie’s were suddenly “betting against” her.

“Everyone was betting against her,” he shared on The Jess Rowe Big Talk Showpodcast. “News publications who were betting money behind the scenes on how long it would take before mum sold the zoo. So she just sailed through that. Mum really is a force to be reckoned with.”

Rob went on to share that he still gets “emotional” over the outpouring of love for his late father.

“He was like a father figure for an entire generation,” he said. “That is such a beautiful thing. And it makes me emotional. Even now. I lucked out. I really lucked out big time.”

Meanwhile, Rob announced his split from former girlfriend Rorie Buckey last month.

“We wanted to share that we have decided to go our separate ways but profoundly appreciate all of the time spent together and wish one another all the very best into the future,” the post shared on Buckey’s Instagram Stories read. “We wish to express the gratitude and respect we have for one another as we continue our journey on different paths.”

Robert Irwin has shared that he still gets emotional over the loss of his dad. Picture: Jono Searle/Getty Images for Mary Poppins Australia

Irwin and Buckey made their relationship public last July when they walked the red carpet at the Sydney premiere of Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One. In December, Buckey announced on Instagram she had started working at Australia Zoo on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, which Irwin runs with his mum Terri and sister Bindi.

The couple also enjoyed various international trips together, including a recent holiday to Canada with her family.

Irwin even revealed last month in a touching post that he could see a future with Buckey, who is the niece of late Perth-born actor Heath Ledger.

“R + R. Thanks for making my 2023 so bright. To many years ahead,” he said in an Instagram post.