A Picture-Perfect Wedding… Met With Internet Fury

What should have been a joyous celebration turned into a social media firestorm this week after Home and Away alum Jackson Heywood, 37, tied the knot with 25-year-old Miss Universe Australia finalist Anneliese Zanchetta. Despite the couple’s radiant smiles and heartfelt vows, the reactions online were anything but congratulatory.

After the pair posted stunning black-and-white shots of their wedding day on Instagram—drawing praise from fellow stars like Home and Away’s Sophie Dillman and Thor’s Heidi May—a troll on Facebook ignited controversy by criticizing the 12-year age gap between the newlyweds.

“Usually I stay way out of what’s not my business, but I can’t help finding it distasteful,” the commenter wrote, questioning why so many celebrities were applauding what they called a ‘gross’ pairing.

The backlash quickly spread, with several users echoing similar sentiments. One commenter even speculated about when the relationship started, suggesting that the timeline could make things even more “uncomfortable.”

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Fans Divided: “Creepy” or “Consenting Adults”?

As the debate escalated, social media users clashed in the comments. Some insisted that the age difference inherently created a power imbalance, with one woman writing:

“I don’t care what anyone says. I couldn’t imagine being 37 and wanting to be with someone in their mid-20s, no matter how ‘mature’ they are.”

Others rushed to defend the couple, calling the outrage “overblown” and accusing critics of fabricating drama.

“He wasn’t with her when she was in primary school. They’re both consenting adults. Let them be happy,” another user shot back.

The polarizing discourse highlights an ongoing cultural debate: are relationships with notable age gaps problematic, or simply a matter of personal choice?

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Glamorous Day, Controversial Spotlight

Despite the chaos online, Anneliese celebrated her nuptials in style, donning a classic white sleeveless gown with a flowing veil. Jackson wore a sharp dark tuxedo as the couple exchanged vows and posed in a series of intimate, romantic portraits.

Jackson originally introduced Anneliese to the world in 2022, when he shared a cozy dinner snap of the two—he was 32 at the time, and she was 21. Before their romance, the actor had been in a long-term relationship with Zelda Williams, daughter of the late Robin Williams.

With the spotlight now firmly back on Heywood—not for a TV role, but for his personal life—fans and critics alike are watching closely. Will the newlyweds be able to silence the noise and prove love really does conquer all?

What do you think—are age gap relationships still taboo, or just misunderstood in today’s world?