Irwin's widow denies 'exploiting' kids
Thursday, October 25, 2007

Irwin with wife Terri and daughter Bindi The widow of tragic "crocodile hunter" Steve Irwin has defended herself against accusations of exploiting her nine-year-old daughter.
Fourteen months after the Australian "wildlife warrior" was killed by a stingray, widow Terri insists she is right to thrust their young children into the spotlight.
She also spoke of finding another man one day - though her grief was still too distressing.
Terri revealed the family had been affected by criticisms of nine-year-old Bindi's increasingly high-profile role since Irwin's death.
The couple's first child read a eulogy at his memorial service, and has become the public face of the family's Australia Zoo wildlife park.
She is also continuing work on Bindi The Jungle Girl, a show Irwin had been working on shortly before he died.
Queensland politician Bill Hefferman is among a growing band of critics who feel Bindi is too young for such a role, especially after suffering such trauma.
He said: "Every child deserves their childhood. There's a real danger that kid is going to be exploited."
But in today's interview, Terri said: "Bindi is lucky in that opportunities come in thick and fast - and they are turned down thick and fast.
"She has Australia Zoo, she is a Wildlife Warrior with the charity, she has her Bindi Wear international clothing range and she has her filming.
"And that's where it ends. You don't see Bindi endorsing some fast-food restaurant or a new trendy anything, because she's a kid."
The couple's second child Robert is also starting to do some filming, she revealed - despite being only three years old.
Terri told The Times: "If he enjoys filming, I encourage it."
It was different to having him "standing there, making him sew wallets in a basement", she insisted.
Terri is about to publish a book, Steve & Me, to be launched at the zoo near Brisbane on November 15.
The couple were together for 14 years, until his chest was pierced by the barb of a stingray - prompting tributes and mourning worldwide.
Terri today said: "He was hot in the cot and I miss him desperately.
"In some ways I miss him more now, because it hits me that he's not coming home."
But while it is too early to consider meeting somone else, she added: "You can't ever say never.
"I find it wonderful when people live, love and laugh again."