Robert Irwin's fans call out 'creepy' reaction to his relationship announcement

Robert Irwin surprised his fans on Thursday evening when he shared a loved-up photo with his new girlfriend Rorie Buckey on Instagram.

While the couple, both 19, made their red carpet debut at a Sydney film premiere last month, the snap marks the first time Robert has posted about Rorie to his 3.8 million followers.

However, not all of his fans were pleased with the announcement, with a number of people taking to the comments to say they felt “heartbroken” and “betrayed”.

“You just broke the hearts of tens of thousands of young girls across the world. Congrats tho,” one person wrote, followed by another who added, “Gday Rob, the niece is crying thanks mate”.

“Siri play That Should Be Me by Justin Bieber,” a third replied, while someone else said, “Alexa, play my depression playlist”.

“I don’t think I can ever recover from this. If anyone needs me, I’ll be in therapy,” a different user shared.

RELATED:

• Robert Irwin takes brutal swipe at Sam Mac on Sunrise: 'Critically endangered'

• Robert Irwin 'flustered' by hilarious X-rated exchange: 'Wasn't ready'

• Robert Irwin's surprising wildlife confession live on-air: 'Try to kill me'

“HOW COULD U CHEAT ON ME!?” a fan commented, with another writing, “So this is what heartbreak and betrayal feels like”.

“What if this was my last straw Robert,” someone else remarked.

'Creepy'

Following the outpour of bizarre comments, several followers decided to call out the strange behaviour from other fans.

“Some of these comments are creepy asf,” one person replied, while another wrote, “This comment section is deranged”.

“This comment section is disappointing remove yourself from whatever parasocial relationship you've constructed and treat people with kindness,” someone else shared.

“Why are these comments so creepy? If you can’t be kind, just stop. They look happy, leave them be. And honestly she’s insanely pretty. You are all just bitter and salty,” a fourth said.

“As much as I do have a celebrity crush on Robert, I think everybody should be happy for him. His life,” another agreed.

Who is Rorie Buckey?

Rorie is the niece of the late Australian actor Heath Ledger and currently studies at a university in Western Australia.

While it’s unknown how long the pair have been dating, it was reported earlier this month that Robert was planning to leave Australia Zoo and relocate from Queensland to WA to spend more time with her.

SHOP:

• Skincare secret: Get retinol results minus the side-effects

• Kids activewear: Sports practice just got more comfy and affordable

• The Aussie jewellery brand Jessica Alba loves: 'Elegant and edgy'

“It’s a real pain,” a source told Woman’s Day. “Right when they really want to explore their relationship, they have this hellish distance between them.”

However, it’s believed Robert’s mother, Terri Irwin, is slightly concerned about how fast the pair are moving and has instead suggested that Rorie and her family visit Australia Zoo for Christmas.

Never miss a thing. Sign up to Yahoo Lifestyle’s daily newsletter.

Or if you have a story idea, email us at lifestyle.tips@yahooinc.com.