Bindi Irwin has sensationally spoken out about her strained relationship with her estranged grandfather Bob Irwin Snr in a scathing Facebook comment.
On Sunday, the 22-year-old shared a sweet post celebrating Father’s Day in the USA, saying she was thankful for the ‘three most incredible fathers in her life’; her late father Steve Irwin, her husband Chandler Powell and her father-in-law Chris.
When one fan asked why she hadn’t included her grandfather – Steve’s father, Bob – Bindi gave an uncharacteristically raw account of their relationship, claiming he’s ignored her since she was a ‘little girl’.
Breaking her silence: Bindi Irwin (pictured with husband Chandler Powell) has sensationally spoken out about her strained relationship with her estranged grandfather Bob Irwin Snr in a scathing Facebook comment
The mother-of-one wrote: ‘I really wish that my entire family could spend time with Grace. Unfortunately, my grandfather Bob has shown no interest in spending time with me or my family.’
She went on to claim that Bob had ‘returned gifts I’ve sent after he opened them’, and ignored any letters sent from her.
‘From the time I was a little girl he has ignored me, preferring to spend time doing anything else rather than being with me,’ she continued.
Claims: When one fan asked why she hadn’t included her grandfather – Steve’s father, Bob (far right) – Bindi (far left) gave an uncharacteristically raw account of their relationship. Pictured with mother Terri (second right) and brother Robert (second left) in 2007, one year after Steve’s death
Speaking out: The mother-of-one wrote: ‘I really wish that my entire family could spend time with Grace. Unfortunately, my grandfather Bob has shown no interest in spending time with me or my family’
Thankful: Bindi had commented on a sweet Father’s Day post celebrating the ‘three most incredible fathers in her life’; her late father Steve Irwin, her husband Chandler Powell and her father-in-law Chris
‘He has never said a single kind word to me personally. It breaks my heart.’
She went on to say that her mother Terri still writes to him and sends birthday cards and Christmas gifts, but claims they have received no reply.
‘We have also been his financial support since 1992 when he returned from Australia Zoo, sending him funds every week,’ she added.
‘We built him a house on a beautiful property and will always do our best to ensure his wellbeing.
‘I hope everyone remembers to be kind to one another but most of all care for your own mental health.
No response: She went on to say that her mother Terri still writes to him and sends birthday cards and Christmas gifts, but says they have received no reply
Strained: ‘He has never said a single kind word to me personally. It breaks my heart.’ Bindi claims. Pictured: Bob holding a photograph of Bindi in 2008
‘I have struggled with this relationship my entire life and it brings me enormous pain.’
Bindi, who welcomed her first daughter Grace in March, concluded by saying she has to ‘choose to care for her own mental health now’.
Bob previously spoke to the media about the alleged family feud that left him estranged from his granddaughter.
In September 2019, he told the Courier Mail that he had not received a response since writing a letter to Bindi in which he wished her well after she announced her engagement to her now-husband Chandler in July.
He claimed their latest dispute stemmed from a misunderstanding after a reporter walked onto his property hoping to get a comment on what he thought about the engagement.
Feud: In September 2019, Bob told the Courier Mail that he had not received a response since writing a letter to Bindi in which he wished her well after she announced her engagement to her now-husband Chandler in July. Pictured in 2016
When Mr Irwin refused to answer, it was mistakenly taken as a begrudged silence. Photos of him at his home were also splashed across the tabloids, only fuelling the false impression that he was unhappy with the upcoming marriage.
He said he wasn’t invited to the wedding, and didn’t expect to be.
‘If they wanted to, of course I would,’ he had said.
‘I get messages (from friends) constantly about how Bob and Bindi are doing, what achievements they’ve made, what interests they have, and I also watch television like everyone else.
‘They keep me up-to-date. Both Bindi and Bob have achieved a lot in a short space of time; mind you, they’re both only young yet. But they’ve done well and I would say Steve would be pretty happy with the way they’re doing.’
Family: Bob is the father of legendary Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin, who passed away in 2006. Pictured: The family in 2004