Terri and Robert Irwin beamed on Sunday night as they attended the annual Steve Irwin Gala in Las Vegas – with a very noticeable family absence.
While Robert and Terri Irwin proudly led the family charge at the exclusive event, fans were asking where Bindi Irwin and her husband Chandler Powell were.
The annual event, held in honour of the late Wildlife Warrior Steve Irwin, is typically a full family affair, with Bindi attending alongside her mother and brother in previous years.
But this time around, Bindi was nowhere to be seen, raising eyebrows among fans and insiders alike.
Instead, Robert and Terri took centre stage, posing for photos and greeting guests alongside Robert’s Dancing with the Stars partner Witney Carson and Australian TV presenter Rove McManus.
Robert, 22, looked dashing in a tailored suit as he continues to ride a wave of global attention following his victory on last year’s Dancing with the Stars US.
Terri and Robert Irwin beamed on Sunday night as they attended the annual Steve Irwin Gala in Las Vegas – with a very noticeable family absence
Instead, Robert and Terri took centre stage, posing for photos and greeting guests alongside Robert’s Dancing with the Stars partner Witney Carson (irght)
However, behind the scenes, whispers of family tension are beginning to grow.
According to insiders, Robert’s newfound fame may be creating friction with his brother-in-law, Chandler Powell, 29.
In November, sources told New Idea magazine that Chandler — who is married to Bindi and shares daughter Grace with her — has struggled with the family’s increasing focus on Robert’s booming US career.
‘Chandler would have preferred to stay back in Australia to look after the zoo instead of upping everything to be Robert’s personal cheer squad,’ they told the publication.
‘For a family known for being overly affectionate and constantly commenting and liking each other’s posts, Robert has barely acknowledged any of Chandler’s in recent weeks.’
Although Bindi did not address her absence from the Gala on social media, several hours before the event she posted a family photo of her, Terri, Robert, Chandler, and their daughter Grace, five, and captioned it with some telling words.
‘My dad first created the term Wildlife Warrior. He inspired us all to stand up and speak for those who cannot speak for themselves, wildlife and wild places. As a family, we pour every ounce of passion and energy into our work,’ Bindi wrote.
She made no mention of the annual Steve Irwin Gala in the post, and although her mother Terri and husband Chandler commented words of support, Robert did not publicly respond.
While Robert and Terri Irwin proudly led the family charge at the exclusive event, fans were asking where Bindi Irwin and her husband Chandler Powell were. (Pictured with Australian model Ellie Gonsalves)
The annual event, held in honour of the late Wildlife Warrior Steve Irwin, is typically a full family affair, with Bindi attending alongside her mother and brother at previous events
Instead, Robert and Terri took centre stage, posing for photos and greeting guests alongside
Behind the scenes, whispers of family tension are beginning to grow. According to insiders, Robert’s newfound fame may be creating friction with his brother-in-law, Chandler Powell
Daily Mail has approached Bindi’s representatives for comment.
The Steve Irwin Gala Dinner is held annually in both Brisbane and Las Vegas, honouring the life and work of the famed Crocodile Hunter.
It features a three-course meal and is an annual celebration of Steve’s life and legacy.
Steve tragically passed away in 2006 after being struck by a stingray while filming on the Great Barrier Reef.
Funds raised from the gala support Wildlife Warriors, the conservation charity Steve and Terri founded in 2002.
The event has become a cornerstone of the Irwin family’s ongoing mission to champion animal welfare and environmental protection.
Read the full article here
