Former Australian politician Amanda Vanstone has found herself in hot water over her seemingly derogatory remark to "Dancing With The Stars" season 21 winner Bindi Irwin saying that the young performer should not be given any special treatment just because she lost her dad at a young age.
Vanstone was a guest on Channel Nine's show "The Verdict" where host Karl Stefanovic congratulated Bindi, daughter of late wildlife expert Steve Irwin, on her US "DWTS" win. His statement was interjected by the former Liberal immigration minister who started lashing out the 17-year-old.
"Give me a break. She's not the only kid whose father has died. My father died when I was young; it happens to lots of kids," scoffed the 62-year-old."It does not make her special."
Vanstone's comments left the panel and Stefanovic stunned and even drew gasps from the studio audience. The other guests of "The Verdict" did not take her side with Labor leader Mark Latham even called her "mean" on the show, Herald Sun reported.
Vanstone's comment was slammed heavily on social media as well, Daily Mail reported.
"Great to Amanda Vanstone show Bindi Irwin the type of compassion she showed asylum seekers when she was the immigration minister #boooo," tweeted a commentator.
Bindi was just eight years old when her late father, who was popular for hosting "Crocodile Hunter," died during a freak accident while filming her television programme "Bindi the Jungle Girl."
Bindi has been involved in acting, singing and game show hosting since his father's tragic death and even helps in managing the zoo that was set up by his late father. During "DWTS" season 21, she was a fan-favorite contestant and was highly anticipated to win the show.