Molly Meldrum has sparked health concerns within Australia’s media circles as rumours suggest the Aussie icon’s condition is far more serious than previously reported.
TV Blackbox revealed on Tuesday that things have taken a turn for the worse when it comes to the 83-year-old’s health, with many industry insiders concerned that he may be reaching a critical stage.
“While there have been stories over the past year about his ailing health, it seems things are now very serious,” the outlet reported on Wednesday.
In 2011, the former journalist and music critic had a fall at his Melbourne home, an ailment that has had an ongoing impact on his condition.
Since the incident, Meldrum has retired from the spotlight, keeping a low-profile while being cared for by his loved ones.
Earlier this year, the Countdown star’s longtime business manager Mark Klemens admitted to Woman’s Day that he wasn’t “as strong as he used to be”.
“The reality is he’s had some issues,” he said, a reality that comes with “getting older”.
However, Klemens noted to the publication that Meldrum was “comfortable” and “happy”, adding: “He hasn’t lost his razor-sharp wit, and he still has a drink. Life is just a lot quieter.”
News of Meldrum’s health decline comes after the star’s series of bizarre antics that shrouded him in controversy over recent years.
In March 2023, he exposed himself at a Rod Stewart concert in Melbourne, pulling out his genitals and urinating on the floor while seated amongst the crowd.
At the time, Meldrum’s assistant Alan Evers-Buckland told SkyNews.com.au that the media personality was “embarrassed” and “of course sorry” about the act, before adding that “he needs our love and support”.
Just two months earlier, Meldrum was involved in a “mooning” incident during an Elton John performance, where he joined the Candle In The Wind hitmaker onstage and dropped his pants.
The public nudity stints triggered severe backlash online, and even saw Samuel Johnson, who played Meldrum in the 2016 TV series Molly, speak out against him.
However, in his corner was broadcaster Meshel Laurie, who passionately defended the star and called for his minders and friends to be held accountable.
“Forget cancelling Molly Meldrum. Cancel all the former minders and friends who’ve abandoned him,” Laurie wrote in a lengthy Instagram story following the Rod Stewart concert.
“There has never been a more generous human being. It’s disgraceful to blame him for the lack of dignified care he has in his old age.”