Nine entertainment reporter Richard Wilkins has slammed New Idea for a “disrespectful” cover story that links him and Terri Irwin romantically.
Wilkins and Irwin feature on the latest cover of the magazine in two photos that have been superimposed together, with the headline blaring “Terri and Dickie GO PUBLIC”.
The cover implies that the pair are going “public” with a romantic relationship, but the story inside claims that Wilkins will soon “go public” with an announcement of an exclusive interview with Bindi and Chandler Powell after their first child is born.
The exclusive interview comes after intense negotiations with Terri, Bindi's mother.
Inside, the 320-word story claims, “Terri and Dickie have recently been enjoying working out the details of the exclusive interview in a series of zoom chats,” and that, “Richard can’t wait to invite Terri to Sydney for dinner with him and his mates once restrictions ease”.
Wilkins blasted the story on his Instagram.
“Really??? Please don’t buy a copy of this trash hoping to learn about ‘Terri and Dickie going public’. Such bulls**t!!! … and so disrespectful to me, my partner Nicola, Terri and our families. Why? Is there not enough stuff going on in the world right now to write about … without having to fabricate total nonsense????” the furious star wrote.
Wilkins has been in a relationship with flight attendant Nicola Dale since the middle of the year, while Terri is single.
His friends chimed in with jokes, much to his annoyance.
“I’m buying it just in case,” teased fellow Nine personality Rebecca Maddern.
“Does this mean no family trips to Australia Zoo?” asked Wilkins’ son Christian.
“I don’t understand … they said it’s true … so …” wrote Guy Sebastian.
In the comments, Wilkins confirmed he had not been approached by the magazine for comment.
This article originally appeared on Over60.