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Rebecca Gibney Breaks Social Media Silence After Backlash

Rebecca Gibney has shared why she vanished from her Instagram page, revealing she's been undergoing difficulties in her private life. The 61-year-old posted an ...

Bintano News

May 27, 2026

Rebecca Gibney has shared why she vanished from her Instagram page, revealing she's been undergoing difficulties in her private life.

The 61-year-old posted an update on Tuesday, after being absent from the app for two weeks.

The Packed to the Rafters star issued a sad life update as she revealed her mother, Shirley Gibney, has been unwell, and her dog, Lolly, was also dealing with health issues.

'I haven't disappeared - there has just been some 'stuff' going on. Firstly, Mama Shirl is in hospital and has been dealing with a few issues but is doing well,' she began.

'Anyone that follows me knows and loves Mum, so I thought I should share that - please keep her in your thoughts and prayers as she climbs yet another mountain.'

Rebecca continued: 'Our wee pup Lolly has had a few health issues as well but the drugs are awesome and she's well on the road to recovery.'

Rebecca Gibney (pictured) has shared why she vanished from her Instagram page, revealing she's been undergoing difficulties in her private life

She also explained that she has been 'spending way more time in the garden and way less on social media' - which she recommended to her audience.

The actress added that she's likewise been enjoying quality time with her husband, Richard Bell, and her eldest brother, Patrick Gibney.

'The world is a bit nutso and it feels like we're in a version of The Truman Show sometimes - but there are still good people out there, nature is awesome and if you focus on doing a wee bit of good every day - you'll feel better,' she advised.

The update comes after Gibney made her recent health diagnoses public.

She revealed last month that she has been diagnosed with and autism - but was forced to address a public backlash over the announcement.

'Alas, there has also been a little backlash so I just wanted to say to the people that responded with 'get over it,' 'it's not cancer,' 'stop jumping on the bandwagon' and 'nobody cares' - just a wee word of advice,' Rebecca wrote online.

'If you don't know the full story of someone's life - please don't make assumptions or fire off petty comments.'

Rebecca shared that much of her life had been marked by personal challenges.

The Packed to the Rafters star issued a sad life update as she revealed her mother has been unwell, and her dog, Lolly, was also dealing with health issues

'Mama Shirl is in hospital and has been dealing with a few issues but is doing well,' she explained. Rebecca's mother, Shirley Gibney, is pictured

'I share my story so that it may encourage others who might be struggling to know they are not alone.'

Rebecca concluded on a hopeful and personal note: 'So if you need me, I'll be by a river somewhere, walking the dogs, planting veggies with my hubby and talking to the trees. Be kind to yourselves and others. And I'll see you soon.'

The Halifax f.p. star found out about her condition while speaking to a psychologist due to struggles she faced after Dancing With The Stars earlier this year.

'It's been hard. It's been very emotional. I've cried a lot more in the last few months than I've cried in a long time, which I thought I'd gotten over as a woman over 60. I was like, 'No, I've got all that stuff sorted',' the Millionaire Hot Seat host said.

'I'm still coming to terms with it because it's answered a lot of questions from my past - my panic attacks, my years of masking, which obviously started at a very early age,' she confessed.

Rebecca Gibney Breaks Social Media Silence After Backlash

'I share my story so that it may encourage others who might be struggling to know they are not alone.'

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