Chron Australia takes a look back at some of the most surprising celebrity scandals and memorable moments of 2023.
Cricket legend Michael Clarke was caught on camera arguing with girlfriend Jade Yarbrough in Noosa. (Both pictured in November 2022)
Michael Clarke's brawl in Noosa
The year started with a bang when ex-cricketer Michael Clarke was caught on camera arguing with his girlfriend Jade Yarbrough in Noosa.
The former cricket captain, 42, was punched in the face by the 30-year-old socialite in Noosa as she accused him of cheating on her with his ex Pip Edwards.
'Am I wrong? Am I damn wrong? You're a damn liar. I can see everything. “You called her,” she screams, apparently referring to messages between Clarke and Edwards.
Clarke then tries to reassure Yarbrough that he did not sleep with Edwards on December 17 and says that he was with Anthony Bell that night.
“Baby, you’re wrong, you’re wrong,” Clarke insists. “Baby, baby, Belly was in the house. 'I swear on my life, I swear on my life… That's not true, it's not true.'
Yarbrough's brother-in-law Karl Stefanovic was present during the riot, making the scandal even more public.
Kanye West and his Australian “wife” caused a stir in Venice thanks to Bianca's racy outfits and an unforgettable gondola ride
Bianca Censori and Kanye West's wild trip to Venice
In August, Kanye West was caught showing off his bare backside during a very amorous boat trip with his Australian wife Bianca Censori in Venice.
Pictures of the couple show the rapper sitting in the back of the river taxi while 28-year-old Censori appears to be lying with her head in his lap.
The couple seemed blissfully unaware of the groups of tourists sailing past them, holding up their phones as they showed off their lovemaking.
Censori had already come under fire for the risqué clothing she wore during the trip – which locals in the conservative Catholic country described as a form of “public indecency”.
Shockwaves ripped through the radio industry when Fitzy & Wippa co-host Sarah McGilvray was apparently “ousted” from the show to make way for Kate Ritchie
Fitzy & Wippa leaves Sarah McGilvray for Kate Ritchie
Shockwaves ripped through the radio industry when Fitzy & Wippa co-host Sarah McGilvray was apparently “ousted” from the show to make way for Kate Ritchie.
While it is unclear why Ritchie left her Kate, Tim and Joel Drive show, which she co-hosted with Tim Blackwell and Joel Creasey, her move to Breakfast was apparently orchestrated by Nova's management because she still had a year left on her contract was running out and they needed him something she could do.
Ryan “Fitzy” Fitzgerald and Michael “Wippa” Wipfli were both said to be unhappy with the reshuffle due to their long relationship with McGilvray.
A Nova employee told Chron Australia that McGilvray's departure was “brutal” for someone who had dedicated “a decade of her life” to a radio show and was popular with listeners, adding that she was “tossed aside without “Just to say goodbye properly.” .
However, McGilvray and Nova appear to have improved the situation since the fall in March, and McGilvray returned to the station in May in a newly created role as program director.
Abbie Chatfield quit her successful Hit Network radio show after suffering from workaholism
Abbie Chatfield quits radio because of 'workaholism'
The other big story on Australian radio this year was the surprise exit of Abbie Chatfield from her hit network show Hot Nights with Abbie Chatfield.
The 28-year-old repeatedly denied that she was fired from the gig and insisted she decided to walk away to focus on other projects.
“I just need to put my energy into projects that bring me joy and that energize me rather than drain me,” she explained.
“I also look forward to socializing with my friends and family!” Always a bonus.'
Her exit came just a month after the former Bachelor star spent time in a Thai health center after suffering burnout caused by “workaholism.”
Hugh Jackman and his wife Deborra-Lee Furness announced their shocking split in September after 27 years of marriage
Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness split up
Hugh Jackman and his wife Deborra-Lee Furness announced their shocking split in September after 27 years of marriage.
“We were fortunate to spend almost three decades together in a wonderful, loving marriage. “Our journey is now changing and we have decided to separate to further our individual growth,” the couple said in a statement at the time.
The former couple recently began the “difficult” process of dividing the $290 million empire they built.
With a huge real estate portfolio and other assets, the Wolverine star and his wife intend to split everything equally, US Weekly reported in October.
According to ET, there is “no animosity” between the 55-year-old Marvel star and the 67-year-old actress as they “felt it was the right time for a divorce.”
“Hugh and Deborra-Lee are both on different pages and in different chapters of their lives,” an insider told the publication.
“They felt it was time to divorce, but they still maintain a happy and warm friendship.”
The source went on to say that Hugh and Deborra-Lee “cherish their many years together and their children.”
However, the two no longer followed each other on social media.
Iggy Azalea has put her musical credibility on the line by joining OnlyFans
Iggy Azalea's X-rated career change
She was Australia's biggest music export in 2014 when she topped the US Billboard charts with her breakout hit Fancy.
But almost a decade later, Iggy Azalea is now a professional OnlyFans creator.
The 33-year-old rapper shocked fans in January when she announced plans to join the raunchy site.
She later defended her decision after receiving backlash, saying: “I've made a lot of people so much money from my body, and I've gotten the smallest share of my own damn body, my own work and my own ideas.”
Iggy continued, “And I don't think I have to apologize for wanting to commodify my own shit. 'So fuck it.'
The star's next step is to appear at the 2024 AVN Awards, which honors the biggest names in adult entertainment.
“I am thrilled to be performing at the AVN Awards – a celebration of passion, fearlessness and artistic expression.” “I can’t wait to deliver a show that embodies the spirit of liberation and creative freedom,” she said in an explanation.