Grant Hackett was arrested and taken into custody on the Gold Coast last Wednesday, after he flew into an uncontrollable rage, prompting his father to call the police.
The 36-year-old who has been in hiding since his subsequent release without charge, has today issued an emotional statement thanking his family and the public for their ongoing support.
“I want to thank my family, in particular my mum and dad for helping me through the toughest week of my life,” Grant said.
“They have been amazing and have now stood by me through thick and thin — I can’t say enough about them — I could not wish for better parents.”
Grant added that he and his brother Craig, whom he had previously criticised for speaking with the media following his arrest, had resolved their differences.
He said, “My brother and I have reconnected and love each other very much — our family has always been our priority.”
“Also the support I have received from so many people in Australia and around the world has also been incredible. I wish I could reply to every single message or well wish I’ve had, which is impossible at present, as I’m so grateful for each and every one of them.”
Before his arrest, witnesses reportedly saw the swimmer “going off” as he repeatedly stabbed at a chopping board with a knife.
The three-time Olympic gold medallist followed his words of gratitude with a plea for privacy, explaining that he will now seek help for mental health issues.
“This is a very private matter that I am going through and I am going to work my way through it. I would appreciate it if everyone would allow me and my family to do everything we need to do.”
“I know I have some mental health issues and I am seeking help here in Australia and I will be also going overseas.”
“I will not be talking to media during this time but I urge everyone to please give my family and myself the privacy and respect we we need at this delicate time.”
The statement follows Grant’s decision to delete a social media post, which alleged his brother “beat the sh*t” out of him.
The image, which showed Grant’s face bloodied and swollen, appeared to have been taken while in hospital. He captioned the confronting shot, “My brother comments to the media… but does anyone know he beat the sh*t out of me. Everyone knows he is an angry man.”
The image which was posted to Instagram, has since been deleted.
The photo is believed to have been an act of retaliation against his brother who spoke with 9News on behalf of the Hackett family after the dramatic events of last week.
At the time, Grant’s brother said, “It’s becoming to the point now where he is dangerous.”
“At times, he is dangerous. He’s a danger to himself, he’s a danger to the community, and poor Mum and Dad have tried to look after him so much. I’m concerned for their welfare.”
“To see someone who was so dominant and had the world at his feet to now, we don’t know what is going to happen – it doesn’t look encouraging.”
We wish Grant and his family all the very best.
WATCH: Grant Hackett’s brother spoke out about the troubled swimmer, following his arrest.
