Robert Irwin's Mother, Terri, Reacts to His Shirtless 'DWTS' Performance

Robert Irwin has traded khakis for sequins — and his latest transformation on the ballroom floor is turning heads and sparking plenty of buzz, even from his mom, Terri Irwin.

Terri Irwin has responded to her son Robert Irwin's shirtless performance on "Dancing with the Stars," which aired during TikTok Night nearly two weeks ago.

The 20-year-old conservationist performed a salsa to Tommy Richman's viral hit "Million Dollar Baby" during the themed night. The routine included hip thrusts, steamy dance moves, and a dramatic shirt rip — a sharp contrast to his usual khaki uniform at the Australia Zoo.

Terri spoke about the performance in an interview on October 13, 2025. She said:

"I am immensely proud because to be able to do something so different, so far out of your wheelhouse[...] I'm very impressed, very proud of you."

"You're amazing, but I still see you as this little tiny loaf of bread, toddling around with your chubby little legs," she added.

Although Robert did not dedicate that particular dance to his mother, he shared a heartfelt message in a recent Instagram post reflecting on the emotional week he had at rehearsals. He kept thinking about his mom, her strength, and the way she kept his late dad, Steve Irwin, in their lives through the years.

"This dance is for my mum, it's for anyone who's lost someone... and it's for all the strong mothers of the world who deserve our recognition and appreciation," he wrote.

His most recent performance with professional partner Witney Carson took place on Disney Night, where they danced a cha-cha to Shakira's "Try Everything," featured in the animated film "Zootopia."

The song's message about perseverance and resilience tied into what Robert described as an emotional week at rehearsals while thinking about his mum.

And while Robert continues to impress on the dance floor, he's also making waves off-screen — thanks to a recent shirtless photoshoot that's getting plenty of attention.

In a surprising move that blends wildlife and fashion, Robert recently posed for a striking People photoshoot in partnership with Bonds underwear, attracting attention and causing a heated debate online.

The shoot, featuring the 21-year-old holding animals while dressed in the Australian brand's signature pieces, coincides with Bonds' expansion into the U.S. market. Shot in Australia and unveiled in April, the campaign has sparked widespread conversation, blending nostalgia, wildlife advocacy, and bold modern branding.

While the imagery caught fans off guard, Robert himself was fully on board with the concept. In the exclusive interview, he explained, "I've done more sit-ups and had less carbs than I ever have in my life," to prepare for the shoot.

The campaign not only highlights Bonds' U.S. debut but also marks a new chapter for Robert, who is traditionally known for his work in wildlife conservation.

Despite the professional presentation, fans had mixed feelings after the images went live. On Instagram, one person commented, "Shame on you!!!"

Others questioned the authenticity of the photos, with one remarking, "This looks so fake he whether it's ai or photoshop it doesn't even look like him [sic]." Another chimed in, "Is this AI ? Is this really him ? Hmmm 🤨 [sic]."

Some viewers were taken aback by the transformation. One person wrote, "I'm conflicted I watched your birth episode and now you look like this [sic]!!"

Another added, "Your dad will roll in his grave." Meanwhile, one surprised fan shared, "Omg [sic] I just spit out my coffee." Additional comments included, "This feels inappropriate," and someone else said, "He looks so different...."

While opinions on Robert's recent ventures have been mixed, it's clear he is stepping into the spotlight on his own terms — balancing his family legacy with a growing presence in fashion and entertainment.