Personal trainer and television personality, Steve ‘Commando’ Willis has publicly called out New Idea magazine for alleging he has split from his wife, fitness expert Michelle Bridges.
Posting to his Instagram, the 42-year-old criticised the tabloid publication, and those behind the article, which contained the headline: “Exclusive: Michelle’s love hell Commando walks out.”
Willis shared a photo of the magazine cover and accused the title of intentionally bullying his family.
“After much reflection I have decided to post in response to an article that is mean, hurtful, upsetting, mischievous and destructive,” he wrote.
“It saddens and hurts me greatly that New Idea Magazine and those who are behind such an article knowingly and intentionally go out of their way to tear down, bully and create disharmony within my family and loved ones but within the very fabric of Australian society.”
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The original New Idea article quotes an ‘unnamed source’ who alleges Willis walked out on this family to be on Channel 10’s Australian Survivor. The source also claimed Bridges was “increasingly anxious” that her partner would be sharing “such close quarters with attractive female contestants”.
“She keeps tabs on him,” the source allegedly said.
“It’s always been like that and Steve understood, but that couldn’t happen with Survivor because you don’t have any contact with the outside world so it sent them into a spin.”
However, despite the controversy there was still a compassionate message in Willis’ post.
The Commando encouraged his followers to “connect and stop tearing each other down,” advocating peace and kindness in his post. This just so happens to match his Instagram bio which simply reads as “be kind”.
“If we want peace and kindness, be peace and kindness in everything we do, every interaction we have,” he wrote.
“Learn to create space and strength from within so we have the courage to serve and contribute to one another.”
Bridges has since re-posted the photo with Willis’ caption and fans have offered words of support.
Just two weeks ago, Bridges also posted to Instagram in full support of her partner’s stint on Australian Survivor.
“So excited to watch this guy @commandosteve bring it on @survivorau it will be epic,” she wrote in the caption of a photo with the couple and their two-year-old son, Axel Bridges Willis.
It looks to us like Bridges and Willis are doing just fine.
You can read his entire post here:
“This post has come with great consideration. After much reflection I have decided to post in response to an article that is mean, hurtful, upsetting, mischievous and destructive. It saddens and hurts me greatly that New Idea Magazine and those who are behind such an article knowingly and intentionally go out of their way to tear down, bully and create disharmony within my family and loved ones but within the very fabric of Australian society.
There is already enough discontent, anger, jealously and grievances being perpetuated in this world.
I see this as the perfect opportunity to do things differently, for each and everyone one of us, sisters, brothers and kin to band together, and go about diligent work that reinforces connections, community and values to enable us to share the burdens and suffering that we all know to well.
We need to connect and stop tearing each other down. We cannot demand anything of another, we can only be it. If we want peace and kindness, be peace and kindness in everything we do, every interaction we have. Learn to create space and strength from within so we have the courage to serve and contribute to one another.
Lots of love to you all, Steve”
This is what happened when Commando Steve stopped by Mamamia and got stuck in a very awkward elevator ride.