Troubled Australian TV star Andrew O’Keefe is set to appear in Waverley Local Court on January 20, facing a charge of driving with an illicit drug in his system.
This latest legal challenge comes after a tumultuous few years marked by drug-related incidents and multiple court appearances.
O’Keefe, once the television host of popular game show Deal or No Deal and a White Ribbon ambassador, has struggled with substance abuse, leading to a series of criminal charges, including drug possession and breaching apprehended violence orders (AVOs).
Last October, he was handed a 30-month community corrections order contingent on rehabilitation and fined $2,500 after pleading guilty to possessing prohibited drugs. His downward spiral was highlighted by a heroin overdose that required paramedics’ intervention, further intensifying concerns about his ability to stay out of prison.
Despite his legal woes, some industry insiders, including publicist Max Markson, remain optimistic about O’Keefe’s potential comeback.
Markson believes O’Keefe can reclaim his place in the public eye through charity work and rebuilding his image. “People love a redemption story,” Markson said, adding that O’Keefe’s resilience and past success make him a candidate for a career revival.
The Pipeline is a serious issue. O’Keefe is the poster child but there’s a whole cohort of middle aged guys in Sydney going rogue like this. Need a crystal ribbon day to raise awareness. https://t.co/P0lgm55RXo
— John Macgowan (@john_macgowan) January 3, 2025
