Ian von Memerty claps back at criticism of ‘selfish’ euthanasia plan
· The South African
Ian von Memerty has spoken out about receiving hateful comments about his decision to end his life via assisted euthanasia.
The TV and theatre personality – popularly known as the co-presenter of Strictly Come Dancing South Africa – has already set a date for his death.
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IAN VON MEMERTY CLAPS BACK AT CRITICS
In a video posted on his Facebook account, Ian von Memerty clapped back at those who had labelled his euthanasia plans “selfish”.
The celebrated pianist, singer, dancer, and actor has spoken openly about his decision to end his life on his terms – a plan he has labelled “self-deliverance”.
He has cited reasons like being unable to work and a desire not to grow old, behind the controversial plan.
Responding to those who criticised his decision, he said: “I think me choosing the least bad option is selfish. It’s what I think is the right thing to do. It’s certainly not cowardly. It would’ve been more selfish to ignore the facts that I see in my finances, emotions, mental and physical state as I enter old age
He added: “It would be more selfish to say I’ll live longer, sadder, unhappier, and poorer, and I don’t have the money, so you must pay for me, and I’m going to drain you dry while I do that
Ian von Memerty stated he felt compelled to educate the public about his informed decision.
He added: “This issue is about human rights, and it’s much bigger than me“.
‘I AM A HAS-BEEN’
Despite being in the industry for decades, Ian von Memerty had claimed that work had slowly dried up over the years.
This intensified during the Covid-19 lockdown – a period he had planned to save for his pension – when his family had to sell their home and rehome their pets
Ian – who revealed he has no car or home – claims his fears of reaching his “sell-by date” was becoming a reality.
He said: “Yes, my career was full of triumphs, but a career is like real life, there are failures and disappointments and compromises and loss. I absorbed that and kept going.
“However, I have come to the point where I say, no more. I just don’t want to do that anymore.
“It is my truth…I am a has-been”.
Ian von Memerty and his family.Images via Facebook
Ian claimed he tried his hand at other work, which he described as “meaningless nonsense”.
He added, “I can’t work because working kills me. If you care about me, please don’t ask me to do that. It’s my choice. You might not understand it, but it is my right.”