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Radio star Marty Sheargold breaks his silence after AFL Grand Final 'incident': 'I am exhausted'
Marty Sheargold will go on an extended break from his show, 'in an attempt to continue to remove some of the roadblocks and stigma around mental health'.
Triple M’s radio star Marty Sheargold has announced he is taking ‘an extended break’ from his show after an alleged AFL Grand Final controversy.
According to a report in the Herald Sun, the comedian was asked to leave a corporate area inside the MCG at halftime on September 30th over his behaviour.
However, Southern Cross Austereo - the parent company behind Triple M - said in a statement to news.com.au that he “left the AFL grand final at halftime of his own accord.”
“We will continue to support Marty’s request for personal leave to spend time with his family and we look forward to having him back on air soon.”
After initially continuing to work on his show, he was noticeably absent last week, with Anthony “Lehmo” Lehmann filling in.
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Now, in a statement, Marty has said he needs to spend time regaining his work/life balance as he is ‘exhausted mentally’ from his work commitments.
“I just wanted to let people know that I’ll be taking an extended break from work, with the very kind and compassionate permission of my employers, who have been generous in their understanding of my need for a break,” he said.
“I think it’s important for people like myself who have a public voice to admit that I am exhausted mentally from my range of commitments across TV, radio and live shows, in an attempt to continue to remove some of the roadblocks and stigma around mental health.
“I need to set aside some time to get my work/life balance back into something that feels better than it has over the last couple of years. Thank you to everyone who has reached out, your support has been welcome and enriching. Talk soon. Marty.”
Fans and industry colleagues rallied around the star, with Ben Fordham writing on the station’s Instagram post: “We love ya Marty”.
“Take care Marty. Sometimes the ones that make the jokes & make others laugh, are the ones that are hurting the most. Thank you for being open about your mental health. We are here for you 100%,” a fan wrote.
“You’re much loved and greatly respected Marty. Take the time you need - please come back better and more bold than ever,” another wrote.
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