The past year has brought a lot of attention to Bindi Irwin and her family, with major moments like her brother Robert Irwin winning a top prize on television and continued growth at Australia Zoo, yet behind that, talk of tension has been building quietly between Chandler Powell and Robert.
There have been ongoing rumors for months suggesting friction between Bindi’s husband and her brother, and now people close to the situation say things are not easing up. If anything, the distance between Chandler and Robert appears more noticeable lately, especially to those watching how they interact publicly.
One of the more obvious changes has been on social media, where their once active engagement with each other seems to have slowed down. According to someone who spoke to Radar Online, Robert has largely stopped responding to Chandler’s posts, which stands out given how close the family has appeared online.
“For a family known for constantly commenting and liking each other’s posts, Robert has barely acknowledged any of Chandler’s in recent weeks,” they told local media, pointing out that this shift has not gone unnoticed by followers who are used to seeing more visible support between them.
At the same time, there are signs that Chandler may be adjusting how he presents himself online, possibly in response to Robert’s growing attention. The source added, “After the world went wild over Robert’s six-pack, Chandler is posting workout videos – which he’s never done before.”
Even with that, there are still small moments that suggest things are not completely broken, like when Robert commented on Chandler becoming an Australian citizen. He wrote, “YES MATE,” showing at least some level of acknowledgment, even if overall interaction has dropped.
Earlier reports going back to January had already suggested the relationship was under pressure, with claims that Robert’s rising profile was creating strain within the family. That attention reportedly shifted focus away from the zoo, where Chandler has been putting in steady work behind the scenes.
“Chandler has been working nonstop to keep the zoo going,” they said in an interview. “He’s exhausted and feels like Robert has turned his back and is just out there chasing fame. Meanwhile, Chandler is putting in the blood, sweat, and tears back home to keep the family legacy alive.”
The same source explained that Robert sees things differently, believing his efforts are still for the benefit of the family, but that has not fully eased Chandler’s concerns. The disagreement over priorities appears to be a key reason the situation has become more tense over time.
All of this has reportedly been difficult for Bindi, who is said to feel pulled between two people who matter deeply to her. Those close to her describe the situation as confusing and emotional, especially since both relationships are important parts of her daily life.
In response, Bindi has been trying to step back from the tension and keep things steady, even planning time away with Chandler and their daughter. “Bindi’s trying not to put too much energy or intensity into the situation and is praying that it solves itself organically,” they said in an interview.
“And she’s got every reason to be optimistic, since there’s ultimately so much love and respect between Chandler and Robert. Like all relatives, they have their ups and downs. This break has already done Chandler the world of good, and that’s great news for the whole family.”
