Olympian Grant Hackett has released a statement following a series of troubling events that began when he was arrested at his parents’ home on Wednesday on the Gold Coast last week after an alleged disturbance, following which he was released without charge.
Hackett was taken into custody after “going off” and repeatedly stabbing a knife into a chopping block, at which point his parents called the police. He was declared missing by his father the following day, after posting a picture to Instagram of his face badly bloodied, stating that his brother had in the past “beat the shit out of” him.
In the statement, Hackett thanked his family for their support and cleared the air with his brother:
“I want to thank my family, in particular my mum and dad for helping me through the toughest week of my life. They have been amazing and have now stood by me through thick and thin – I can’t say enough about them – I could not wish for better parents.“My brother and I have reconnected and love each other very much – our family has always been our priority.”
He also said he’s seeking privacy while trying to return to normalcy:
“I will not be talking to media during this time but I urge everyone to please give my family and myself the privacy and respect we need at this delicate time.”
You can read the statement in full below:
“I want to thank my family, in particular my mum and dad for helping me through the toughest week of my life. They have been amazing and have now stood by me through thick and thin – I can’t say enough about them – I could not wish for better parents.“My brother and I have reconnected and love each other very much – our family has always been our priority. Also the support I have received from so many people in Australia and around the world has also been incredible. I wish I could reply to every single message or well wish I’ve had, which is impossible at present, as I’m so grateful for each and every one of them.“This is a very private matter that I am going through and I am going to work my way through it. I would appreciate it if everyone would allow me and my family to do everything we need to do. I know I have some mental health issues and I am seeking help here in Australia and I will be also going overseas.“I will not be talking to media during this time but I urge everyone to please give my family and myself the privacy and respect we need at this delicate time.”
Mental illness can be tricky to discuss, experience or read about; if you or anyone you know is struggling, please call BeyondBlue on 1300 22 4636 for 24/7 counselling, or Lifeline on 13 11 14 if you are in crisis.
