In a heart-wrenching saga that has unfolded over the past few years, Australian pop star Vanessa Amorosi is evicting her mother, Joyleen Robinson, from the home where she has lived for over two decades. The eviction comes after a bitter court battle that has left both women emotionally devastated and estranged.
Joyleen Robinson, who appeared on the television program A Current Affair on April 23, 2025, expressed her sorrow over the situation, revealing that she has lost all contact with her daughter. "I haven’t spoken to her in over 10 years. I will always love her. I hope she knows that," Joyleen said tearfully, reflecting on their once-close relationship.
Vanessa Amorosi, who shot to fame as a teenager with her hit song "Have a Look," has not only achieved remarkable success in her music career but has also faced significant personal challenges. Joyleen recounted how their bond began to deteriorate after Vanessa suffered a brain aneurysm years ago. "It was after she had the aneurysm she changed," Joyleen explained, noting that this illness coincided with Vanessa's rise to international stardom.
After a performance at the Sydney Olympic Games, Vanessa's career skyrocketed, earning her millions and allowing her to purchase properties, including the semi-rural home in Narre Warren where Joyleen lived. This home, however, became the center of a legal dispute when Vanessa sued her mother for sole ownership, claiming that the properties were purchased with her music earnings.
In August 2024, the Victorian Supreme Court ruled in Vanessa's favor, granting her sole ownership of the properties held in a trust that listed both women as owners. The court also ordered Vanessa to pay her mother nearly $870,000 in restitution for the house. However, Joyleen claims she has yet to receive any payment from her daughter.
During her emotional appearance on A Current Affair, Joyleen broke down as she recalled the painful experience of the court proceedings. "It was horrible. She didn’t even look at me in court," she said, emphasizing the emotional toll the conflict has taken on her. Despite the legal battle, Joyleen expressed a desire to reconcile, stating, "I do care about the house. But I love my daughter more."
Joyleen also revealed her longing to meet her grandson, Killian, who was born in 2016. "I’d love to meet her little son. He’s my grandson. I’ve never met him," she lamented, highlighting the personal cost of their estrangement.
The fallout between the two women can be traced back to a verbal agreement Joyleen claims they had regarding the ownership of the house. Joyleen insists that Vanessa had promised to let her live in the home as long as she needed, even stating, "The agreement was Vanessa bought the house with her money, but that it’s mum’s house." However, Vanessa's legal team disputed this claim, arguing that the properties were purchased solely with Vanessa's earnings.
In December 2024, both women were ordered to pay each other’s legal costs after the court found that they had both won different aspects of their legal dispute. This ruling further complicated their relationship, with Joyleen feeling that her daughter had abandoned her.
As the clock ticks down to the deadline for Vanessa to pay her mother the restitution, Joyleen's family has expressed uncertainty over whether Vanessa will fulfill her financial obligations. Vanessa's lawyer indicated that she would pay once Joyleen vacated the property and it was sold.
Joyleen's heartache is compounded by her belief that the music industry has played a significant role in the breakdown of their relationship. "It is very sad, how the music industry can make or break you," she reflected, suggesting that external influences may have contributed to the rift.
Despite the turmoil, Joyleen holds onto hope for reconciliation. "I hope she knows that I love her and I want her to come home. Come home and join the family again," she pleaded, showcasing a mother’s enduring love amidst the chaos of their legal battle.
As this story continues to develop, the public remains captivated by the complexities of family, fame, and the emotional toll of financial disputes. The relationship between Vanessa Amorosi and Joyleen Robinson stands as a poignant reminder of the personal sacrifices that often accompany success.
