Australia's Next Top Model 4 Round-Up: "Living Hell"

I'm popping my head in briefly from my secret holiday bunker to discuss this week's AusNTM episode. I actually watched it a week or so ago and was quite shaken by it. By now if you aren't aware, the bulk of the episode depicted - in excruciating detail - the reign of terror inflicted upon poor Alamela by a pack of bullies led by Demelza (who, in a delicious basket of ironing, once had to move schools as she was the victim of intense bullying).

At the time of watching the episode I was pleased to see Charlotte Dawson fly off the handle at them come elimination time (her calling them the "Dapto dogs" was particularly thrilling), but it seems I am not the only one now wondering if there shouldn't have been further action taken, with this week's evictee (and Alamela ally) Belinda Hodge speaking out:

Hodge claimed Rowan had come close to a nervous breakdown over the bullying and was "honed in on from day one" by a few of the contestants who called themselves the "bitch-keteers".

Despite being scolded on air and dubbed the "Dapto Dogs" by judge Charlotte Dawson, Hodge said producers did not "punish the bitches enough".

"They almost glorified the bullying because the girls didn't get in any kind of real trouble. They got yelled at but nothing else happened," Hodge said.

Also allegedly targeted by Reveley, 16, Hodge said Rowan was only attacked because "she was timid and shy" and "not a Barbie type".

"It's not her fault she's got a brain and likes to read Scientist Monthly," Hodge said.

The 18-year-old also criticised the editing of the program, which did not show Rowan, 17, being supported by Hodge and others.

"I spent hours and hours trying to tell the girls what they were doing was bullying but they just did not listen."

I'm inclined to agree. Essentially what the judges said - particularly Alex Perry, who I love, so it pains me to say so - was "You're very naughty... Now, let's get back to GIVING YOU PRIZES AND SAYING YOU'RE ALL BEAUTIFUL!"

Bullying is, as noted in the comments on that news.com.au piece, banned in schools and workplaces so, even if it makes "compelling" viewing on reality television, producers need to take as much of a stand as community leaders do in the "real world".

Honestly, at the very least they could've booted Alyce - I am beyond tired of her smelled-a-fart sneer, and it would've sent a message to the girls.

Tune in next week as I return you to your regular AusNTM round up coverage.

Comments

Gadge

Posted May 17, 2008 9:30 AM

I was hoping they'd boot Bec, even though I knew they wouldn't; she was almost as terrible as Demelza and was trying even harder to be vicious.

They had a smaller version of the bullying speech last season as well, though that was after a prank was played on Paloma (and Steph), who not only shrugged it off but was enough of an instigator in her own right. The pack mentality was still evident, but Paloma was a whirling dervish rather than a quieter girl being picked on because she doesn't express every emotion she has, so it wasn't nearly as horrendous. Nor was she treated as sub-human to her face.

I really do like that the production makes a point of highlighting and then denouncing the bullying, though I agree it would be nice to see them pay more consequences for their behaviour.

ots

Posted May 18, 2008 4:00 PM

Disgusting behaviour. What would their families think?
One of the ringleaders should have gotten the boot, but I suppose the producers need them to amp up the dramz.