health

Jesinta Campbell and Buddy Franklin don't have to justify their wedding plans.

No, really, they don’t

Today, a Daily Telegraph journalist named Annette Sharp penned a column entitled “13 reasons Jesinta and Buddy should postpone their summer wedding”.

It’s a shameful column which lists the reasons that the couple’s wedding is doomed, including their ages, their earning potential and Buddy’s mental illness diagnosis:

“7: Franklin’s problems — and his new awareness of them — will be a catalyst for major change. With the right care, he will now be starting to know himself better and understand what drives his behaviour, what brings on bouts of depression and anxiety — what makes him happy, sad, confused, stressed, prone to black out…”

“9: Because Jesinta may still be absorbing the news that mental illness can be hereditary.”

“10: Because Franklin’s career and earning power is less certain than it was a month ago…”

“11: Because Jesinta’s appeal and allure will halve when she marries…”

“13: Because it is unclear if Franklin, who is rumoured to have checked into the rehabilitation centre Bronte House, has been evaluated and released.”

If you’re inclined, you can read the full list here. But in short, Sharp argues that the couple shouldn’t get married because Buddy has a mental illness (and there are some grubby references to the money they might lose as well).

We could write a list of the reasons why Sharp’s reasons are offensive and cruel.

But the best and perhaps only reason is that which was expressed perfectly by Campbell herself.

After reading Sharp’s column, Jesinta Campbell wrote simply:

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Mental illness is like any other medical condition. A columnist would never write a column about how a broken leg or back pain should prevent a couple from marrying or living their lives as they choose.

Annette Sharp’s column is deeply offensive and quite simply incorrect.

To people living with mental illness: Ignore this garbage. Continue to enjoy and treasure the people who support and love you. The strength that you bring to your struggle and your daily successes will ensure that people who propagate myths about mental illness have egg on their face.

Best wishes to Jesinta and Buddy. May their love continue to grow.

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