Recent sensationalized headlines from clickbait news sites have begun circulating a “shocking secret” regarding the departure of Harley Bonner from the long-running Australian soap Home and Away. These reports falsely suggest that the actor’s decision to leave Summer Bay was fueled by a private “addiction.”

However, based on verified industry reports and official statements from both the actor and Channel Seven, these claims are entirely unfounded. Here is the real story behind Harley Bonner’s exit.

The Real Reason: Vaccine Mandates

The actual reason for Harley Bonner’s departure in early 2022 was well-documented by reputable news outlets at the time. Bonner, who played the popular Dr. Logan Bennett, left the show because he chose not to comply with the Seven Network’s COVID-19 vaccination mandate.

In late 2021, the Seven Network implemented a policy requiring all staff, including cast and crew, to be double-vaccinated against COVID-19 to continue working on-site. Bonner’s departure followed shortly after that of co-star Sam Frost, who faced a similar situation regarding the network’s health protocols.

Official Statements

At the time of his exit, a spokesperson for Channel Seven released a professional and supportive statement: “Channel Seven can confirm Harley will not return to Home and Away when filming resumes in the coming weeks. Harley leaves with our best wishes and sincere thanks for his work on the show.”

For his part, Bonner took to social media to address the departure briefly, telling fans he was “very happy” and that “life’s good.” He later spoke out against “cancel culture,” but never once alluded to health struggles or substance issues.

Life After Summer Bay

Since leaving the show, Harley Bonner has focused on his personal life and new creative ventures. In February 2022, he married his longtime partner, model Natalie Roser, in a beautiful ceremony. More recently, in early 2025, the couple delighted fans by announcing the birth of their first child, a daughter named Aurelia Mae Rose Bonner.

The Dangers of Clickbait

The “addiction” narrative appearing on sites like familynews2.com is a classic example of “false-claim clickbait.” These sites often use sensationalized headlines to drive traffic, preying on fans’ concerns for their favorite stars. There is no evidence in any credible record to support the claim that Bonner has ever struggled with addiction.

Fans of Harley Bonner and Home and Away can rest assured that the actor’s exit was a personal choice regarding workplace policy, not a health crisis. Today, Bonner appears to be thriving in his new role as a father, far removed from the fictional drama of Summer Bay.