“Dancing With The Stars” Season 34 winner Robert Irwin and his beloved mom, Terri Irwin, are speaking out after the devastating tragedy at Bondi Beach, sharing messages of heartbreak as Australians and fans around the world grapple with the shocking loss of life.
Robert Irwin Responds to Bondi Beach Tragedy
“I am absolutely heartbroken and devastated. My heart is with everyone who has been affected by Sunday’s horrible and tragic events.❤️” Irwin wrote in a message shared following the news.
Irwin’s words quickly resonated, as the beloved conservationist and television personality expressed solidarity with victims and families impacted by the violence in one of Australia’s most iconic locations.
His message reflected the disbelief many Australians felt as details of the incident emerged.
Why Robert’s Words Matter?
Robert Irwin has long spoken with pride about his deep love for Australia, a connection shaped by both family and purpose.
As the son of the late Steve Irwin, he has carried forward a legacy rooted in wildlife conservation, education, and respect for the natural world, often using his platform to highlight the beauty and spirit of his home country.
Whether advocating for environmental protection, working at Australia Zoo, or representing Australia on the global stage, Irwin has remained closely tied to the values his father championed, earning him a reputation as a compassionate voice for conservation and a symbol of modern Australian pride.
What Authorities Have Said About the Incident
GettyCNN reported that the shooting occurred on December 14 in the Bondi Beach area. Authorities said two men, identified as a father and son, opened fire, leaving at least 15 people dead and dozens more injured.
As per the BBC, Police confirmed a 50-year-old man was fatally shot at the scene, while his 24-year-old son was taken to a hospital with critical injuries.
The investigation remains ongoing as officials work to determine the circumstances surrounding the attack.
Support Pours In From the DWTS Family
Getty“Dancing with the Stars” professional Sharna Burgess also spoke out, sharing a deeply personal response to the tragedy at Bondi Beach, a place she has long described as close to her heart.
“My heart is absolutely shattered to read about the mass shooting on Bondi Beach,” Burgess wrote on Instagram Stories on Sunday, December 14.
“A place I love so deeply, that I’ve always felt safe in, that I’ve always felt proud of. This news doesn’t read like that of my home country, it reads like the devastation I see constantly here in America and that breaks my heart even further.”
She continued, calling the violence a painful departure from Australia’s identity. “This is not the Aussie way, this is not who we are as a people. Guns? Mass shootings? When did we fall so far.”
Burgess was joined by fellow members of the “Dancing with the Stars” community in expressing grief.
Former DWTS pro Sasha Farber shared a message on Instagram, writing, “This is a horrible nightmare,” alongside a broken heart emoji. He later added, “Left with no words.”
DWTS judge Derek Hough also reacted on Instagram Stories. “These shootings are sickening,” Hough wrote. “Seeing all the footage intensifies the horror of it all even more. No words. Just sick.”
Burgess, who frequently travels back to Australia and regularly hosts “Dancing with the Stars Australia,” has long spoken about her deep connection to her home country.
Other Australian DWTS stars, including Peta Murgatroyd and Kym Herjavec, have also shared messages of support.
As Bondi Beach mourns, messages from figures like Irwin and Burgess reflect the collective grief of a nation shaken by violence in a place once widely seen as safe.
I appreciate the heartfelt words of Terri & Robert and others; however,
Call it What it was-
An Islamic Terrorist Attack against Jews!!!
That includes the Writers of the Story.
This wasn’t Random.
It is the Root of Evil and Hate for the Jewish Existence.
God is with Us.