Rolf Harris left 'very unwell' after brutal hidden cancer battle claims author

11 May 2023 , 16:34

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He was last seen in public in 2020 (pictured here in 2017) (Image: Phil Harris)

Rolf Harris' health has taken a turn for the worse after secretly battling cancer, it has been claimed.

The disgraced media personality convicted of the sexual assault of four underage girls in 2014, had been struggling to eat or talk since being released from jail.

Since his release in 2017, his health has deteriorated with the last public sighting of the former entertainer during the coronavirus pandemic.

In recent years, he has been receiving around-the-clock care at his £5 million home while his wife who lives with Alzheimer's also required care.

Now, an author has claimed that Rolf has been left extremely ill.

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Rolf Harris is reportedly very ill (PA)

The former TV presenter has been receiving around the clock care (humphrey nemar)

"Rolf has been very sick," William Merritt said, before adding: "When I saw him he was able to speak to me, he was with it, but he was obviously unwell."

He went on to tell MailOnline that there had been "serious concerns" over Rolf's health after being diagnosed with neck cancer and he "gurgles" when talking due to his condition.

It's believed that his condition worsened and he was left unable to walk.

Just days ago, a new investigation into Rolf revealed four more victims had come forward to discuss their traumatic experiences with the former television presenter.

They bravely claimed that he humiliated young girls as well as sexually assaulted young women.

Nowadays he rarely appears in public (ExpressStar)

Rolf was released from jail in 2017 (Getty Images)

Rolf Harris: Hiding in Plain Sight includes the story of Victim A who was a family friend and was instrumental in gaining a conviction against the TV entertainer in 2014.

The decades-long grooming of Harris' daughter Bindi’s childhood friend from the age of 13 was key evidence that led to his downfall.

A number of other women will also talk about "degrading and awful" treatment that went on for decades in the television industry as they claim he groped women when given the opportunity.

They have waived their right to anonymity to tell the story of how they say his assaults impacted them, and the pressures that finally forced them to come forward to testify against him in court.

In June 2014, Harris was found guilty of 12 counts of indecently assaulting four girls in the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s.

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Harris was released from jail in May 2017 after serving three years of his five years and nine-month sentence after being found guilty of 12 counts of sexual assault, one of which was later overturned.

Harris has not spoken out publicly since his release from jail.

The Mirror approached Mr Harris' lawyer for comment.

*‌Two-part documentary Rolf Harris: Hiding In Plain Sight is released on ITVX on May 18.

If you have been affected by this story, contact Rape Crisis England & Wales for free confidential support and information on 08088029999 or their website or 08088010302 if you're calling from Scotland.

You can contact the Domestic and Sexual Abuse helpline on 0808 802 1414 if you are in Ireland.

Daniel Bird