Home and Away Star Orpheus Pledger Jailed for Assaulting Woman

In a recent interview, Home and Away star Emily Weir has revealed the impact of her former co-star Orpheus Pledger's prison sentence on the show's set. Pledger, who played a role on the popular Australian soap opera from 2016 to 2019, was sentenced to six months in jail in September 2025 for breaching multiple court orders, including an attack on a woman.

Weir, who has portrayed the character of Mackenzie Booth on Home and Away since 2019, says Pledger's conviction came as a huge shock to the cast, many of whom had lost touch with the actor after he left the series. She explains that Pledger's behavior before his departure was "weird" and "off," with the actor posting concerning content on social media, including a graphic clip of himself in the shower.

The 35-year-old actress acknowledges that the entertainment industry often presents challenges when it comes to working with actors who struggle with addiction and mental health issues. "There are so many people who go through it; it is a rite of passage. So, like all companies, there are things that happen, and it is very sad. This is what happens with addiction," Weir says.

Pledger's legal troubles began in March 2024 when he was arrested for attacking a woman on two occasions, one of which was captured on camera. He was initially given a community correction order, but later breached the conditions, leading to a seven-month jail sentence, which was later reduced to six months.

The article serves as a sobering reminder of the personal struggles that can sometimes accompany the glamour of the entertainment industry, and the importance of addressing mental health and addiction issues within the profession.