A former top government minister has been branded heartless after she harshly criticized Australian singer-songwriter Tim Minchin for speaking about his mother’s death at his concert.
The popular musician/comedian stunned audiences at a show in Sydney last Friday night when he revealed his beloved mother Ros had been diagnosed with terminal blood cancer three years ago.
He told stories about his mother and performed several songs he wrote about her before revealing at the end of the show that she had died a day earlier at the age of 74.
Just hours after a grieving Minchin returned to the stage for his final appearance in Sydney, former senator Amanda Vanstone spoke out about the tragedy on Monday night, accusing Minchin of “cheapening” his mother’s death.
Australian entertainer Tim Minchin announced at a show last week that his mother Ros had lost a three-year battle with blood cancer
“It’s hard to lose a parent. No matter what age and however it is expected. But for me it is a private sadness. “The release seems to cheapen it and make it marketable,” Vanstone tweeted.
The late-night tweet quickly sparked a wave of outrage.
“Imagine disrespecting a person’s right to grieve in a way of their choosing.” “That’s cheap,” one complained.
Another added: “Close your account you heartless woman – but you always have been. “You’ve never been cheap though – with our money.”
A third wrote: “It brings together those who have lost their parents to share their grief.” As someone who lost his mother to cancer at a young age, it is this exchange that helps me and many others. You have the right to privacy. “He has the right to share and not be labeled an opportunist.”
There was also a lot of support for Minchin.
“Tim’s Sunday show was spectacular in every way.” He shared his grief, which was inspiring for a man. Turn on your brain before you type next time. Tim, you are a true star and person. “We all support you,” wrote on.
Another fan wrote: “What an appalling person you are, Amanda Vanstone, for that comment!” Everyone reacts to grief differently in times of grief! Tim Minchin clearly felt compelled to continue his concert due to ticket sales/audience. If you had even an ounce of decency you would cancel the post office!’
Former minister Amanda Vanstone spoke out on Tim Minchin’s family tragedy on Monday
Amanda Vanstone (pictured) is a former minister and senator in the Howard government
Vanstone was a federal senator for South Australia from 1984 to 2007 and held several ministerial positions in the John Howard government. She is also a former Australian ambassador to Italy.
Minchin told his audience on Friday night that he had decided to go on with the show despite the family tragedy before an emotional performance of White Wine in the Sun.
He ended the show by inviting the audience to sing along to the final song of the evening, Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah, as the venue descended into darkness.
Minchin received rave reviews for his shows after deciding to continue his national tour and shared a glowing tribute on his Instagram on Monday night.
“Tim Minchin’s show last night was absolutely beautiful.” “One of the best shows I’ve ever seen,” the review says.
Minchin now heads to Hobart, where the first two of his four shows have already sold out.
Tim Minchin has been showered with rave reviews as he continues his national tour while mourning the loss of his mother