Melbourne, Australia – Former Home and Away actor Orpheus Pledger has admitted to a violent assault against a woman in March. Pledger, known for his role as Mason Morgan on the soap opera from 2016 to 2019, made his guilty plea via video link from custody after breaching bail conditions in April.
Reports indicate that the woman called emergency services out of concern for Pledger’s mental health, stating “he’s coming” before the call ended abruptly. When police arrived at the Melbourne address, they found the victim with various injuries, including bruises, lacerations, and signs of strangulation. The woman was hospitalized for treatment, while Pledger was initially released on bail but later taken into custody for a mental health evaluation.
Pledger’s defense attorney, Jasper MacCuspie, informed the court that Pledger’s mental health declined after leaving Home and Away and missing out on an anticipated role in The 100. MacCuspie cited these events as contributing factors to Pledger’s state of mind. Additionally, Pledger’s use of methamphetamine was also mentioned in relation to the assault, as he had previously been arrested for drug possession in 2021.
The court is scheduled to reconvene for sentencing on July 3. Pledger’s character, Mason Morgan, was a prominent figure in Home and Away, with storylines involving various relationships and dramatic events before his character’s demise in 2019 due to a hospital siege.
Pledger’s case sheds light on the challenges faced by actors transitioning between roles, as well as the impact of mental health struggles and substance abuse. It serves as a reminder of the importance of support systems for individuals in the entertainment industry and the repercussions that can arise from unresolved issues. The outcome of Pledger’s sentencing will undoubtedly have lasting implications for both himself and those following his story.