After a video showing him snorting white powder went viral, South Australian MP David Speirs took a medical leave of absence, stating that he needed to concentrate on his health and well-being.
In a statement released today, the former leader of the Liberal Party said that he has been “feeling exceptionally vulnerable and at risk” and that the last few days have been “exceptionally distressing”.
“I must take some time to focus on my own health and well-being as any other person should,” the statement continues.
According to the statement, he is currently on medical leave and receiving care from medical professionals.
News Corp released a picture and a video of Speirs yesterday.
The Liberal MP’s Kingston Park residence is where the video, which purports to show the former SA Liberal leader taking white substance, was allegedly captured on June 30 shortly after 4 a.m.
Just last month, Speirs was ousted as the leader of the SA Liberal Party; Vincent Tarzia claimed yesterday that Speirs had maintained he was a victim of a digital hoax and that the footage was a deepfake that had been altered.
“He has assured me that he is of the belief that the footage is that of a deepfake,” Tarzia stated.
The government questioned Speirs’ decision not to report the video to the police if he thought it was a deepfake, as of today.
“Why aren’t the opposition immediately referring this to police?” Tom Koustantonis, a Labour MP, stated.
