He turned his back on alcohol for good after a lifesaving liver transplant in 2011, but five years later it has been alleged that the self-professed Human Headline is “back on the booze.”
On Sunday evening Derryn’s former girlfriend, Natasha Chadwick, took to Twitter to claim the media personality has gone back on his word.
According to Derryn, it was as a way to hit back at him for their “messy” split, which allegedly occurred two days prior.
“Derryn Hinch has been back on booze 12+ months. So much for respecting organ donors gift of life. Fave wine, cheap Gossips. No loyalty,” she wrote in a now-deleted late night blast.
“All tweets are true. Erasing Hinch from my life.”
The 72-year-old didn’t deny his 36-year-old exes’ accusations, but rather clarified that he consumes watered-down beverages, a choice approved by his surgeon.
Speaking to 3AW, Derryn confessed: “I have had a drink, I drink watered down wine. Last Christmas I drank a glass of Grange which I watered down which will upset all the connoisseurs.”
The controversial figure clarified that he predominantly drinks non-alcoholic beer and wine but will occasionally drink watered down red or white.
When asked what “occasionally” entails, he replied: “Once or twice a week I’d have a glass.”
“I cleared it with my surgeon, Bob Jones, and he said you can.”
WATCH: Derryn speaks out about the unfolding drama in the video player below. Post continues…
Responding to his statements, ex Natasha took to Twitter once more.
“Playing it down. Not surprised. Not always diluted. Not only special occasions. But … he’s a politician,” she wrote in tweets that have since been deleted.
In another cryptic snippet, she wrote: “Loyalty is a two-way street. Treat people the way you like to be treated & don’t mistake kindness for weakness.”
“I’m sorry that a break-up has led to his, but that’s life,” says Derryn of the drama that’s followed his split from his ex.
Derryn nearly died from blood poisoning in 2006.
He later suffered from advance cirrhosis and inoperable liver cancer, a diagnosis that led doctors to give him a 60 per cent chance of surviving a further five years.
In 2008, before receiving a liver transplant, the radio host vowed to never consume a drop of alcohol again.
“I don’t drink now, never will again. If I get a titanium liver, I still won’t drink again,” he said.
“I haven’t been drunk in ten years and don’t ever intend to again,” insists the personality.
When asked why he went back on his then-definitive word, he said: “Yep I did say that, and I have, I have had a drink since then so that’s quite true, and I won’t say I never will again.”
The senator also revealed that he has since spoken to his donor Heath Gardner’s mother.
“I talked this morning to my donor’s mother Linda and she said ‘I have faith in you Derryn,'” he recalled.
“She doesn’t mind.”
WATCH: Derryn speaks to his donor’s mother in the video player below.
