**Forget celebrity romances and high-profile breakups; Robert Irwin is making headlines for an entirely different reason.**
The wildlife warrior has found himself at the center of a heated controversy with One Nation leader Pauline Hanson.
The drama unfolded after Irwin was depicted in an episode of Hanson’s satirical cartoon series, *Please Explain*.
Irwin’s likeness appeared alongside Bluey in a segment titled *The State of Queensland*, which criticized their involvement in a state tourism campaign.
In the cartoon, Irwin and Bluey are unceremoniously booted from a beach over native title, their car is stolen by “juvenile delinquents,” and they endure a six-month wait for healthcare.
But here’s the kicker: Irwin’s fans have been surprisingly critical of his response.
When news broke that Irwin was threatening to sue Hanson, social media exploded with reactions.
“Mate, get over the cartoon. If *South Park* can chuck on whoever they want and take the p***… you of all people should be able to take a joke at the expense of the government,” one fan commented.
They were snapped on a date in Queensland, and a few weeks later, they were again spotted at the Australia Zoo on Robert’s birthday.
Another added, “Pauline is right, I don’t hear you defending our kangaroos and koalas Robert, they are suffering. The cartoon was spot on, no need for legal action.”
“Crying because of a cartoon, grow up,” a third chimed in.
“No Aussie humour anymore. Have a cup of concrete Irwin. Bloody hilarious,” another wrote.
For those unfamiliar with Robert Irwin, let’s dive into the backstory.
Robert, the son of the legendary Steve Irwin, has grown up under the intense scrutiny of the public eye.
Known for his infectious enthusiasm for wildlife, he has continued his father’s legacy through his work at the Australia Zoo and various media appearances.
Despite his young age, Robert has become a prominent figure in wildlife conservation, admired globally for his dedication and passion.
Recently, he and the beloved animated character Bluey were featured in an international campaign from Tourism and Events Queensland, aiming to boost tourism in the state.
This brings us back to the cartoon controversy.
Robert Irwin’s legal team, led by Zoe Naylor, issued a cease-and-desist letter to the studio behind *Please Explain*.
Fan Reaction
Naylor accused the show of defamation and the unauthorized use of Irwin’s image, demanding the video be taken down by 5pm on Monday.
“Your actions constitute defamation and involve the unauthorized and deceptive use of our client’s image,” Naylor asserted.
“Your statements have not only tarnished our client’s reputation but also misled the public, causing significant harm to our client’s brand and image.”
However, Pauline Hanson and her team were quick to fire back.
Hanson’s lawyers dismissed Irwin’s defamation claims as “nonsensical,” arguing that the video was a satirical critique of the Queensland State Government.
“Your clients’ claims of passing off and defamation are so plainly inconsistent as to be nonsensical,” they retorted in a letter to Irwin’s lawyers.
A Look Back
They emphasized that the video was meant to be humorous and politically critical, not defamatory.
Hanson herself took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to stand her ground.
“I will not be removing the latest episode of Pauline Hanson’s *Please Explain*,” Hanson declared.
“I look forward to the day when Robert and I can have a good laugh over this and turn our focus to making Queensland a better state.”
Despite the legal threats, the video remains online as of 6:30pm on Monday.
The public’s divided reaction adds another layer to this unfolding drama.
While some fans criticize Irwin for not taking the joke, others support him, praising his likeness to his late father.
It’s a clash of opinions as strong as the Queensland sun.
Will Irwin’s legal team follow through on their threats?
Or will the young conservationist and the controversial politician find a way to bury the hatchet?
One thing’s for sure: this isn’t the last we’ll hear of this feud.
As the saga continues, all eyes remain on Robert Irwin and Pauline Hanson.
Their next moves could set a precedent for how public figures handle satirical portrayals in the future.
For now, grab your popcorn because this is one wild ride you won’t want to miss.