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Matt Poole's fiancée Annelyse Oatway has defended herself after claiming she looks after Tammy Hembrow's daughter 'most of the time'.
Annelyse, 31, found herself at the centre of a social media storm this week after sharing a heartfelt birthday tribute to Posy, the four-year-old Matt shares with his influencer ex.
Speaking exclusively to Daily Mail, she insisted her comments had been taken out of context and were never intended as a swipe at Tammy.
'The comments being referenced were made in response to someone questioning why I had posted a birthday tribute for Posy and suggesting I was writing as though I were her mother,' she said.
'My response was simply explaining that I've played a significant caregiving role in Posy's life since she was 18 months old, which is why I feel comfortable celebrating her birthday and expressing my love for her.
'The comment wasn't intended as criticism of Tammy in any way.'
Matt Poole's fiancée Annelyse Oatway (both pictured) has defended herself after claiming she looks after Tammy Hembrow's daughter 'most of the time'
Annelyse, 31, found herself at the centre of a social media storm this week after sharing a heartfelt birthday tribute to Posy, the four-year-old Matt shares with his influencer ex. (Pictured: Tammy Hembrow, with children Wolf, 11, Saskia, nine, and Posy, four)
Annelyse explained that both Tammy and Matt have demanding careers that often require them to travel or work long hours, meaning she naturally takes on much of the day-to-day parenting.
'In fact, I specifically stated that both of Posy's parents work or are away at times due to work commitments,' she said.
'Tammy's career often requires interstate or overseas travel commitments, while Matt works multiple jobs and is frequently out the door before 4am.
'As a result, a lot of the day-to-day care naturally falls to me.
'That wasn't a criticism of either parent. It was simply context in response to someone questioning my role in Posy's life.
'I was explaining why I feel so strongly about her and why I have every right to celebrate a little girl I've helped care for and raise over the past two and a half years.'
The birthday tribute itself featured a string of sweet family moments, including Annelyse cuddling Posy, enjoying beach outings together and sharing playful moments at home.
Matt and Annelyse, who welcomed their son Rocky together in 2024, announced their engagement earlier this year.
Speaking exclusively to Daily Mail, Annelyse, 31, insisted her comments had been taken out of context and were never intended as a swipe at Tammy
'The comments being referenced were made in response to someone questioning why I had posted a birthday tribute for Posy and suggesting I was writing as though I were her mother,' she said
'My response was simply explaining that I've played a significant caregiving role in Posy's life since she was 18 months old, which is why I feel comfortable celebrating her birthday and expressing my love for her,' she continued
Matt shares daughter Posy with the fitness mogul, whom he split from in late 2023 after more than two years together.
Tammy has since married Love Island Australia star Matt Zukowski before the pair announced their separation earlier this year.
The post featured a series of adorable family photos of Annelyse spending time with the little girl and included an emotional message celebrating Posy's birthday.
However, not everyone was impressed.
One user questioned why Annelyse appeared to write the tribute 'as if' she were Posy's mother.
'Why is this wrote [sic] as if you're her mother... how odd,' the follower commented.
Annelyse was quick to respond, writing: 'It's written as her STEP mother that cares for her most of the time. Hope this helps xx.'
When another critic argued she was 'not married therefore she's not your anything,' Annelyse doubled down.
'All I stated was my favourite personality traits and she was a good big sister to our son. Get off your burner and get a hobby sis.'
Hembrow was approached for comment.
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