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Social media post sparks outrage
Rohan Dennis, the Australian Olympic cyclist, has faced backlash after describing a Porsche as an "absolute weapon" in an Instagram post, less than a year after his wife died when he hit her with a car during a domestic argument.
Legal outcome and public reaction
In 2025, Dennis received a 17-month suspended sentence for an incident in December 2023 that killed his wife, Melissa Hoskins, a fellow Olympic cyclist. A court ruled he was not criminally responsible for her death but had acted recklessly by driving while she clung to the vehicle outside their Adelaide home.
South Australia's Victims' Rights Commissioner, Sarah Quick, condemned Dennis's recent social media post as "deeply offensive," stating it demonstrated "a clear lack of insight into the real and lasting impact" of his actions. She added that the post showed "a profound lack of respect for Melissa and her family," who continue to grieve.
The controversial post
Dennis, who remains banned from driving, shared images of a newly washed black Porsche on Instagram with the caption: "What an absolute weapon." It is understood the car is not the same one involved in Hoskins's death.
Since the backlash, Dennis has posted additional content, including calling his children "absolute weapons" and criticising media outlets that contacted him for comment. The BBC has reached out to his lawyer for a response.
Background of the incident
Court documents revealed that Dennis and Hoskins had been arguing about kitchen renovations before the fatal incident. Dennis got into his car to leave, but Hoskins jumped onto the bonnet and later held onto the door as he drove. She fell off and was struck by the vehicle, later dying from her injuries.
At sentencing, Judge Ian Press acknowledged Dennis's attempt to "de-escalate the argument" by driving away but ruled that continuing to drive while his wife was on the car was inexcusable. The judge noted Dennis's remorse and acceptance of responsibility.
Athletic legacy and tributes
Hoskins, a two-time Olympian and 2015 world champion in the team pursuit, was widely mourned after her death. She married Dennis in 2018, and the couple had two children.
Dennis, who retired at the end of the 2023 season, had a decorated career, winning a silver medal in the team pursuit at the London 2012 Olympics, a bronze in the road time trial at Tokyo 2020, and a gold at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
