Former Olympic cyclist Rohan Dennis accuses media of peddling ‘false narrative’ after wife’s death

Former Olympic cyclist Rohan Dennis has begged the media to “stand down” and accused journalists of spreading a “false narrative” in his first public statement since facing court over his wife’s death.

Dennis, 35, was given a suspended prison sentence in May last year after his wife Melissa Hoskins, 32, was fatally struck by his vehicle near their home in Medindie, north Adelaide, on December 30, 2023.

In a new post on Instagram, Dennis addressed the media attention and defended the post about his Porsche, adding that he “loved Melissa” and was not an abuser.

“The last thing I ever wanted was to hurt her,” Dennis wrote.

“Never in my life has any physical aggression entered my mind during a disagreement with Melissa.

“The narrative the media was fed was clear: They wanted me to look like the husband who abused his wife.”

Dennis said he and his family were mistreated by the media following Hoskins’ death and subsequent trial.

He said reporters greeted him at the airport the day after Hoskins’ death and asked him inappropriate questions

The former cyclist claimed that journalists made ‘disgusting’ comments in front of his children and openly asked if he was a murderer.

“The media is talking about the children and how sad they are for the children,” Dennis continued.

“Yet they like to stalk, follow and harass not only the adults in my family, but even when the children are involved.”

Dennis said his words were “twisted” and that he never “intentionally or unintentionally used a vehicle as a weapon.”

“It was never legally said that I did that either,” he added.

“The video footage of the accident also proves this statement.”

He concluded the statement with a final plea: “Time for all of you [sic] journalists and media to back off and leave my family alone.”

Victims’ Rights Commissioner Sarah Quick described Dennis’ post about his car last month as “highly offensive”.

Dennis pleaded guilty to committing an aggravated act likely to cause harm, but was not held criminally responsible for his wife’s death.

He was given a 17-month suspended prison sentence with a two-year good behavior bond and a two-year driving ban.

During sentencing at the SA District Court last year, Hoskins’ mother Amanda said her daughter had loved Dennis and “and I know you would never deliberately hurt her”.

“I believe this is a tragic accident. Your mood is your downfall and needs to be addressed,” she said.

During his competitive career, Dennis won two world titles in the road time trial, as well as silver in the team pursuit at the 2012 Olympic Games and bronze in the road time trial at the Tokyo Olympic Games.

NEVER MISS A STORY: Be the first to receive your latest news and exclusive stories by following us on all platforms.

National Sexual Violence, Family Domestic Violence Advisory Service 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).