He has given the money to the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital to help them treat koalas with the sexually transmitted disease.
- May 8, 2018
AceShowbiz - Russell Crowe has donated the money he received from comedian John Oliver in his divorce auction to a ward which treats koalas with chlamydia. The British talk show host revealed in April, that he spent a small fortune on the "Gladiator" star's jockstrap and other items, and had donated the memorabilia to the last remaining Blockbuster DVD rental store in the U.S., in Anchorage, Alaska, to help it stay open.
Russell, who netted a staggering $3.7 million from the auction, said shortly afterwards that he was inspired by John's "random act of kindness" and would be donating his money to a wildlife charity. He has since revealed he has given the money to the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital to help them treat koalas with the sexually transmitted disease, which can leave them blind or infertile, or even kill them.
In a video posted on Russell's Twitter account, the widow and children of late Australian conservationist Steve Irwin talk about a new vaccine they are testing, and end by thanking Russell for his donation.
"And a big thank you to John Oliver, for buying some of Russell's incredible things in his auction," his son Robert added. "You are helping for the fight for chlamydia. And a plaque has been organised in your honour."
Great news for Koala everywhere. @AustraliaZoo@wildwarriors@LastWeekTonight@iamjohnoliver@rickygervaispic.twitter.com/RrwBqfy5N9
— Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe) May 3, 2018
I’ve had a eureka moment on how to use @iamjohnoliver from @LastWeekTonight auction money . His random act of kindness is going to be honoured in such a cool way .
Yes, no surprise, it will involve wildlife . @rickygervais@jimjefferies@jimmycarr@edsheeran@edwina_b
— Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe) April 18, 2018
The video ends by cutting to a plaque which reads, "The John Oliver Koala Chlamydia Ward."
John played the footage during his show "Last Week Tonight with John Oliver" on Sunday (May 06), and jokingly said he has accomplished his "one and only goal", before proceeding to pack up his desk, while assistants came in and dismantled the set and turned the lights off.
"We have accomplished everything we set out to do on this show, which means thanks very much everyone, but we are f***ing done here!" he said. "Now if you excuse me, I've got a date with some very contagious koalas. That is our series. Thank you so much for watching. Goodbye forever everyone. I regret nothing. My work here is done."
Fans were left wondering if John was serious or just pretending, but others noted that his show is still scheduled to air next week.
