Robert Irwin has been called out for threatening to sue a cartoon, that has strangely not left a good impression amongst fans.
Irwin has been slammed by his fans online over his threat to sue Pauline Hanson, a right-wing populist political figure, for alleged "defamation" after being featured in an episode of the One Nation Leader’s satirical cartoon series, 'Please Explain.'
Irwin’s figure was featured alongside the iconic dog Bluey in a cartoon titled 'The State of Queensland,' which has been used to criticize the pair’s involvement in a recent state tourism campaign.
The episode shows the 20-year-old and the pup facing a few trials and tribulations, which included being stranded after they were kicked off a beach and had their car stolen while also being forced to wait months for healthcare, in order to portray the alleged issues some people are worried about in the area.
But Irwin has not been left pleased after being associated with Hanson, who is known for her far-right beliefs and has decided to sue the politician.
"I can't believe Robert Irwin is threatening One Nation with legal action over a (fabulous) satirical cartoon. How pathetic and un-Australian. Grow a sense of humour, mate," wrote one user, while another added: "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."
"Breaking News: Robert Irwin has been arrested for being a cry baby, bed wetter over a satirical cartoon. Pauline is not budging, cry harder!" a third joked alongside a picture of a blonde man (who is not Irwin) being handcuffed and led away by police officers.
And a fourth also agreed, writing: "Shame that Robert can’t see the funny side. It’s not him being defamed, as anyone can tell. The Woke mind virus destroys the sense of humor."
However, others defended the star and his right not to be associated with Hanson and her political agenda.
"So Hanson’s pack of bullies are out in force attacking Robert Irwin because he doesn’t want to be associated with Hanson and her childish cartoons. Being in anyway aligned with Hanson paints you as a bully, a racist and a bigot," one user said.
It comes just shortly after Irwin, who is following in his father's footsteps to conserve wildlife, threatened to sue the politician for defamation.
"Your actions constitute defamation and involve the unauthorized and deceptive use of our client’s image,” Irwin’s lawyer Zoe Naylor alleged in a cease-and-desist letter to the studio that produced the cartoon as per 7News.
"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,” Naylor continued. "The unauthorized use of our client’s image in this context is particularly egregious, as it manipulates the truth and misrepresents our client’s personality, values, and beliefs.
The statement concluded: "We are concerned that the unlawful use of our client’s image may be an attempt to pass off yourself or party as currently being affiliated or otherwise authorized by us, which you are not.”
They urged the politician to remove the video from all social media platforms.
In retaliation, Hanson's lawyers have slammed the young star for his claims, referring to them as "nonsensical."
“Your clients’ claims of passing off and defamation are so plainly inconsistent as to be nonsensical,” Hanson’s lawyers said in a letter addressed to Irwin’s lawyers.
“It is difficult to comprehend how a viewer could understand that the video represents an affiliation with your client if he is also being defamed in the same publication," they added.
On X, Hanson doubled down on her position regarding the video, saying she would not take it down despite the request.
“I will not be removing the latest episode of Pauline Hanson’s Please Explain,” she said in a tweet. "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."
The clips are still available to watch online.
