He might be the golden boy of Australia, but Robert Irwin is ruffling feathers behind the scenes.
The Wildlife Warrior, 21, recently travelled to Las Vegas with his mum Terri and sister Bindi to host the annual Steve Irwin Gala.
But Robert has allegedly gotten himself in hot water with his mother after enjoying a wild night out during the trip.
According to a source connected to the family who spoke to Daily Mail Australia, Terri is severely let down by her son’s late-night behavior, especially after pictures emerged of him enjoying himself with an unidentified attractive woman.
The insider mentioned, ‘Terri isn’t concerned about the identity of the girl. She simply believes that the entire situation reflects poorly, particularly given that Robert is on the brink of appearing on the American edition of Dancing with the Stars.’
Originally, Robert intended his visit to Las Vegas to revolve around the Steve Irwin Gala on May 10. However, the plans took an unexpected turn when his sister Bindi had to undergo emergency surgery for a burst appendix, leading to further unforeseen events.
Both Terri and Bindi were forced to pull out of the gala at the last minute and Robert was left to his own devices and made the most of his freedom.
‘While the cat’s away, the mice will play. Robert doesn’t usually get much downtime, so he let his hair down,’ the source added.
‘But Terri was expecting him to keep things low-key, not hit the strip with a blonde on his arm.’
The pair appeared completely engrossed in each other, walking closely and ignoring other members of their group.
The mystery woman turned heads in a white crop top that showed off her toned figure, teamed with high-waist mum jeans and white sneakers.
Her long blonde locks were styled in effortless waves, and she carried a brown Louis Vuitton shoulder bag.
At one point, Robert placed a protective hand on her lower back as they made their way through the venue’s entrance.
Later, the pair were spotted laughing together in a dark ramen bar, tucked away in a cosy booth with friends. Robert was all smiles as he leaned in close, clearly enjoying the mystery woman’s company.
While fans are loving Robert’s transformation from ‘zoo kid’ to heartthrob, Terri is said to be horrified by the ‘eligible bachelor’ branding.
‘She regretted that Bonds campaign with him in his jocks and a snake around his neck. She thought it sent the wrong message and this Vegas stunt is just more of the same,’ an insider said.
Terri is reportedly trying to shut down speculation Robert’s behaviour could derail his upcoming stint on Dancing With The Stars.
‘They’re in full damage control. The line from the Irwins is “there’s nothing to see here”. But behind closed doors, Terri is fuming,’ they continued.
‘Robert might not get this kind of freedom again for a long time. Not until Dancing with the Stars is over and he’s back home in Australia.’
Daily Mail Australia has contacted the Irwins’ representatives for comment.
Robert’s career has been going from strength to strength since he was signed up as the host of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! Australia last year.
He has also been single following his split from his girlfriend Rorie Buckley in February last year and confessed that dating hasn’t been easy in a TV appearance back in December.
‘That’s an interesting world to navigate as well with [being in] the public eye and that sort of thing,’ he said on the Today show.
Admitting that he was not seeing anyone at the time, Robert was asked about what he was ‘looking for’ in a partner.
‘I’m one of those people who is kind of gonna let it happen, I’m gonna let that unfold as it will,’ he shared.
‘I look at my parents as inspiration and I look at my sister [Bindi Irwin and her husband Chandler].’
‘I know there’s someone out there, but they are going to have to be a goer, they are going to be in this lifestyle, it’s here, it’s there, it’s everywhere but I would definitely one day love to, of course, share this wonderful life with someone special,’ he added.
