After a troubling start to adulthood, Matthew Newton has enjoyed several years of living under the radar in New York City.
He’s spent years almost completely estranged from his parents Patti and Bert, and has instead created a quiet life for himself and wife Catherine Schneiderman – daughter of former New York attorney general Eric Schneiderman and his ex-wife, powerful political figure Jennifer Cunningham.
And now, with Manhattan in the grips of coronavirus and its future looking bleak, Woman’s Day can reveal that both Matt and Catherine’s mums are teaming up to convince their offspring to travel to the Newton family’s Melbourne home for their own safety.
“Jennifer is pals with New York’s governor and sees firsthand just how bad the situation is.
“She’s a huge part of Matt and Cat’s life, and is desperate for them to get the hell out of there. She is advising them to go to Australia, and has enlisted the help of Patti to get them there,” says a source.
Patti and Matthew in happier times.
(Credit: Getty)“Matt and Cat are stuck in their tiny Upper West Side apartment in watertight self-isolation, and there’s a lot of worry for Matthew’s mental health. Obviously, Patti and Bert are ready to provide them with whatever they need if they were to come home.”
Matthew, 43, is a recovering addict who suffers from bipolar disorder, and he’s made headlines for assaulting two exes, a Sydney cabbie and a Miami hotel clerk. He fled to New York City in 2012, where he’s struggling to find work thanks to his controversial past, but has so far refused pleas from his parents to return.
“Even Matthew must be seeing that Melbourne is really their only option,” says our insider.
“A lot of water has passed under the bridge between Matthew, Patti and Bert. He used to hate how public their lives were, but that has eased off somewhat. Recently he began making noises that it might be time to return to Australia and face the music.”
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Patti wants her only son to return home and be with the family.
(Credit: Getty)Patti, 75, has made no secret of the fact she and her 81-year-old husband want their son back.
“Outwardly, she tells people she’s happy for Matthew to make his own decisions, but truthfully not a single day goes by where she isn’t worried sick for him, especially now,” says the source.
“She watches the news reports about New York with her heart in her mouth, and tries to talk to him almost daily. She’s relieved that Cat’s mum seems to have her back in thinking that moving them to Melbourne is the smart thing to do.
“If he does see sense and comes home, there’s very little doubt that Jennifer and Patti’s interference could save his life. With the virus raging in Manhattan and Matt’s mental health under huge pressure while stuck inside his apartment, he’s a ticking time bomb.”
Patti’s joy over sixth grandchild
While she might be consumed with fears for her son, Patti was blessed with a little happiness last week when her daughter Lauren and her husband Matthew Welsh announced they’re expecting their sixth child.
Posting a picture to Instagram of her 15-month-old daughter Perla – who closely resembles her uncle Matthew – holding a baby scan, Lauren, 40, shared, “Perla is thrilled she is going to be a big sister!”
In a social media post of her own, Patti said, “In these sad and difficult times, wonderful to have such joy to look forward to.
The best parents and the most fabulous children, we miss you so much, our love Nana and Poppy.”
Lauren and her Olympic swimmer hubby, 43, are already parents to Sam, 12, Eva, 10, Lola, eight, Monty, four, and Perla.
WATCH: Bert gives a moving speech about Patti and his family
