Grant Hackett breaks silence after dramatic arrest
A week after his dramatic outburst and subsequent arrest on the Gold Coast, Grant Hackett has finally spoken out about what happened. Coming out of hiding for the first time since the incident, the three-time Olympic gold-medallist referred to the last week as the “toughest” of his life.
“I want to thank my family, in particular my mum and dad for helping me through the toughest week of my life,” Hackett said in an emotional statement. “They have been amazing and have now stood by me through thick and thin — I can’t say enough about them — I could not wish for better parents.”
And, despite referring to him last week as an “angry man” who had given him a black eye during his outburst, the swim star appears to have mended fences with his older brother, Craig. “My brother and I have reconnected and love each other very much — our family has always been our priority.”
He went on to thank his fans from not only Australia but around the world for their ongoing support, saying, “I wish I could reply to every single message or well wish I’ve had […] I’m so grateful for each and every one of them.”
Admitting he has “some mental health issues,” Hackett has asked for privacy during this difficult time, announcing his plans to seek professional help here as well as overseas. “I urge everyone to please give my family and myself the privacy and respect we need at this delicate time.”
Image: Greg Stolz/The Courier-Mail
Related links:
Grant Hackett’s family speak out following his arrest
Grant Hackett still in hiding after being reported missing
Robert Irwin is just like Steve in first Today Show appearance