Bindi Irwin has accused her grandfather Bob Irwin of "psychologically abusing" her for her "entire life" in a shocking reply to a fan who questioned her Father's Day Facebook post.
The daughter of the late Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin paid tribute to her dad, her husband and her father-in-law in a Father's Day post shared to her Facebook page, calling them all "extraordinary men who inspire her".
The post has racked up 11,000 comments, including one that pointed out Bob Irwin's noticeable absence.
"What about your grandfather? You know, your father's father! He too was a good man, who I assume got the shaft," one Facebook user wrote.
Bindi replied with a lengthy statement revealing a deep family rift and levelling accusations of neglect - and worse - at Bob.
"Thank you very much for your comment. I really wish that my entire family could spend time with Grace," Bindi began, referring to her baby daughter, who was born in March this year.
"Unfortunately my grandfather Bob has shown no interest in spending time with me or my family. Publicly, he continues to claim that he wants to spend time with us while privately my entire life has been psychological abuse from him."
Bindi claimed her grandad had returned gifts she sent him after he had opened them, ignored correspondence from her and refused to spend time with her when she was a little girl.
"He has never said a single kind word to me personally. It breaks my heart but it is not healthy to engage in an abusive relationship," she continued.
"My mum still writes to him and sends birthday and Christmas gifts to him with no response. We have also been his financial support since 1992 when he retired from Australia Zoo, sending him funds every week. We built him a house on a beautiful property and will always do our best to ensure his well-being."
The 22-year-old said she wanted Bob to be happy, but "could not be a victim to his mental abuse anymore".
"I hope everyone remembers to be kind to one another but most of all care for your own mental health. I have struggled with this relationship my entire life and it brings me enormous pain. I have to choose to care for my own mental health now."
