Celebrity Breaking News · Jordan Blake · 8 July 2026

Robert Irwin’s new girlfriend’s photo-dodge trick in NYC

Robert Irwin’s new girlfriend’s photo-dodge trick in NYC

Robert Irwin was photographed in New York City with rumoured new girlfriend Ashleigh Scully—who appeared to use a simple “photo-dodge” tactic to avoid a clear couple shot by walking a few metres behind him. The moment matters because it underscores how closely his private life is being tracked as he promotes new US TV work.

Key Takeaways

What was Robert Irwin’s girlfriend’s “trick” to avoid a couple photo?

According to News.com.au, Robert Irwin, 22, was spotted with American wildlife photographer Ashleigh Scully as they arrived at Hulu studios in New York City.

The outlet reported that, to keep their “budding romance under wraps” and avoid being photographed side-by-side, Scully “strategically walked a couple of metres behind” Irwin on the way into the studios. Now To Love similarly described Scully staying “a few subtle strides behind him” during the NYC outing.

Why were Robert Irwin and Ashleigh Scully in New York City?

News.com.au reported that Irwin is back in NYC to promote a new “Dancing with the Stars” spin-off, “Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro,” where he has been announced as host. The report said the series is set to premiere on July 13 on ABC and Hulu.

If you’re following this story as it breaks, you can find more updates in our Celebrity Breaking News section.

For readers looking for official network info, ABC is the US broadcaster referenced in the report (see ABC for programming information).

Are there concerns about the relationship moving too fast?

News.com.au reported that there have been “months of romance rumours,” and that Irwin’s family has expressed concerns about the speed of the new relationship—emphasizing, per the report, that it’s not about questioning Scully personally but about how quickly things are progressing.

The same article said Irwin is believed to be pushing to integrate Scully into the “Irwin world,” including spending time at Australia Zoo and getting to know the family business. Now To Love also referenced reports that the family is concerned Irwin may be moving too fast, while noting the attention on his private life as his profile grows.

What are Terri Irwin’s reported “dating rules” for Robert?

Now To Love, citing an “insider,” claimed Terri Irwin has drawn up “dating rules” in a bid to protect her son and the family name. The story also claimed there was “talk” any serious partner may need to sign a family NDA and be open to spending their life at Australia Zoo—framing it as brand protection as well as personal protection.

It’s important to note these claims are attributed to unnamed sources in the report. Neither story presented a direct public statement from Irwin or Scully confirming the relationship, focusing instead on reported sightings and claimed concerns.

For now, the NYC photos—and the reported choice to keep a deliberate distance—signal just how carefully this rumoured couple may be trying to manage the spotlight while the headlines keep coming.

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