Shockwaves on the Home and Away Set

Home and Away star Emily Weir has spoken openly for the first time about the dramatic downfall of her former co‑star Orpheus Pledger. The actress, known for playing Mackenzie Booth since 2019, admitted that news of Pledger’s six‑month prison sentence left the cast stunned. Most had not spoken to him since he exited the show years earlier, making the revelations even harder to process.

Early Warning Signs Before the Collapse

While Pledger’s conviction became public in September, Emily revealed that concerns began long before the court case. She remembered seeing troubling social media posts, including a 2021 video where the actor stepped out of the shower and exposed himself. She said cast members who still followed him online whispered that something wasn’t right. But once he left the soap in 2019, she explained, he was no longer tied to the Home and Away brand or its support network.

Emily added that the industry sees many young actors come and go. Some thrive. Others struggle. She said situations like this are heartbreaking but not uncommon when addiction is involved. “If someone doesn’t want to change, no one can help them,” she said in the podcast interview.

Inside Pledger’s Legal Spiral

Pledger’s sentencing came after repeated breaches of his court orders. The former star, who played Mason Morgan from 2016 to 2019, had been given a second chance after attacking a woman twice in March 2024. A judge initially replaced his prison term with a community correction order. But he failed to meet the conditions.

Court documents revealed 19 missed appointments, drug use involving methamphetamine and cannabis, and a visit to the victim’s home. Police arrested him again after the woman called emergency services. Judges noted he avoided drug tests, skipped community service, and altered his antipsychotic medication without approval. His lawyer said he misunderstood the seriousness of the order, but the judge ruled he had “frittered away” his opportunity.

A Sad Ending to a Promising Career

Pledger began acting at nine and built a strong following through Neighbours and Home and Away. His rapid fall from grace shocked fans and colleagues. Emily said the situation was tragic for everyone involved. She hopes the actor gets the help he needs, but she stressed that meaningful recovery must start with him.

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