The Dancing With the Stars spotlight has never burned hotter for Robert Irwin — but this time, it wasn’t just for his moves. Following his now-viral shirtless routine, critics quickly piled on, accusing the performance of being “too much” and even going so far as to label it “nudity.” The backlash sent shockwaves through the fandom, sparking endless debates about boundaries, artistic expression, and Robert’s place in the competition.
But now, his big sister Bindi Irwin has stepped into the conversation — and she isn’t holding back. In a powerful video that’s already circulating online, Bindi directly addressed the wave of criticism and delivered a heartfelt defense of her brother. Her words were clear: Robert has nothing to be ashamed of, and the Irwin family will always stand united in the face of hate.
With her voice trembling yet resolute, Bindi said she believed their late father, Steve Irwin, would be “incredibly proud” of Robert — not just for his courage to step outside his comfort zone on the dance floor, but for the kind of man he is growing up to be. The mention of their dad instantly struck an emotional chord with fans, who flooded the comments with tributes and messages of support.
“Robert is showing the world his heart,” Bindi continued. “He’s not just dancing — he’s honoring our family’s spirit of courage, of joy, and of being true to yourself. And Dad would have loved that.” Those words alone brought many to tears, with viewers admitting the clip gave them chills.

But the Wildlife Warrior didn’t stop at gentle reassurance. Turning her focus to the critics, Bindi issued a sharp reality check. “If you think kindness, courage, or celebrating your own body is something to tear down, then maybe it’s time to look in the mirror,” she said firmly. Her blunt message left no doubt: the Irwins are done tolerating unwarranted negativity.
The video quickly went viral, with fans praising Bindi for her fierce loyalty and strength. “This is why we love the Irwins — they protect each other,” one fan commented. Another added, “Bindi said what needed to be said. Period.” Social media platforms lit up with hashtags like #ProudOfRobert and #IrwinStrong, showcasing just how much support the family continues to inspire.
Meanwhile, Robert himself has not yet directly responded to his sister’s defense, though many believe he will release his own statement soon. Insiders close to DWTS say he has been “overwhelmed but grateful” for the love pouring in from fans around the world.

The backlash has reignited long-running conversations about double standards on the show. Many point out that male celebrities often go shirtless during routines without major criticism, while Robert’s scene was unfairly singled out because of his wholesome family image. Bindi’s words only amplified the call for viewers to rethink their biases.
In the end, what could have been a damaging controversy has transformed into a moment of unity. Thanks to Bindi’s intervention, Robert’s journey is no longer just about dance — it’s about resilience, family bonds, and honoring a legacy that will always shine brighter than any criticism.