Barry Humphries’ daughter explains absence from her father’s memorial
Barry Humphries' daughter has explained why she didn’t attend her late father’s state memorial service which was held in Sydney on Friday.
The entertainer’s youngest daughter Emily wasn’t in attendance at the ceremony, with many believing her decision not to attend was due to Richard Wilkins hosting the event.
The Nine entertainment reporter forged ahead with hosting the memorial, despite alleged objections from members of Humphries’ family.
Despite the rumours, Emily has now cleared up why she didn’t attend the service, taking to Facebook to share a lengthy post explaining her actions.
She wrote, “I want to be loud and very clear. I am grateful to both Richard and the organisers for their part in this send-off.”
“Despite some complexities in my relationship with my father, I was proud of his achievements and think a public send-off is important for both him and his public.”
She continued, “Privacy and intimacy were missing elements in my relationship with him so public comments have really bothered me. That they are inaccurate and hurtful to another fired me up.”
Emily went on to say she didn't attend her estranged father's state memorial because “they're not my thing” and she was “away working on a film project in Sri Lanka”.
She went on to assure her followers that she did attend her father’s private funeral in Bowral, which was held in April at the home of artist Tim Storrier.
Emily attended the service, which was closed to the public, with her stepmother Lizzie Spender, sister Tess, brothers Oscar and Rupert, and the comic's grandchildren.
Enily and her father had reportedly been estranged for over 20 years, and only patched up their relationship in the months before his death.
The late comedian's state memorial was held at Sydney Opera House on Friday, December 15th, following his tragic death in April.
Image credits: Facebook / Getty Images