2GB’s Entertainment Reporter Peter Ford has defended Molly Meldrum following his “antics” at a recent Rod Stewart concert, citing the former Countdown host’s 2011 brain injury.
Speaking to host Ben Fordham, Ford assured he wasn’t trying to excuse “bad behaviour”, but that the 80-year-old’s injury needed to be taken into account.
“He has an acquired brain injury. I mean, we have to accept that,” the reporter said. “And that’s as a result of that bad fall. Molly’s always been given to odd behaviour, but since that fall… his judgement is impaired.”
Listen to the interview above.
READ MORE: Rupert Murdoch, 92, to marry for fifth time
READ MORE: Demi Moore shares sweet video of Bruce Willis on his 68th birthday
The statements come after it was widely reported that Meldrum “exposed himself” while in the crowd of Stewart’s Melbourne concert last Wednesday. The former Hey Hey It’s Saturday host also reportedly urinated on the dance floor afterwards.
Ford suggested Meldrum might need his carers to keep closer supervision, given he previous history of ruffling feathers in public.
“Clearly, he’s not being supervised enough, or he won’t take the supervision or guidance,” Ford said. “It’s not like he’s turning up at these events on his own. There’s always someone with him. But for whatever reason, they don’t seem to be able to control him.”
For a daily dose of 9Honey, subscribe to our newsletter here
The star’s brain injury occurred in 2011, after he fell off a ladder while putting up Christmas decorations. Meldrum reportedly fell about three metres and suffered significant injuries to his chest area, shoulder-blade area, head injuries, and a fractured skull.
The star was in a coma for five weeks after the fall, which nearly killed him.
Meldrum’s latest behaviour comes just months after he made headlines for exposing himself while on stage at Elton John’s January concert in Melbourne. On the night, Meldrum mooned the audience, to many people’s surprise.
Ford went on to reveal after reporting on this incident in January, Meldrum’s ”closest minder called me and was furious with me for reporting the story”.
“They said to me and reminded me very clearly, ‘the guy’s got an acquired brain injury, you know, we take him out, and we can’t control what happens after that’,” Ford said.
“I have taken on their word, but it’s sad, the problem with this, and I’m almost reluctant to be talking about it – but it’s out there now – this is going to become Molly’s legacy,” Ford said.
“You know, not the decades of contributing to Australian music, [it will be] these crazy antics and exposing himself and urinating in public,” he added.
READ MORE: Oscar-winner’s eldest son ‘critically ill’ with stomach cancer