In a recent show of support, Western Australian contestants Britt and Taz from the popular home renovation series The Block defended fellow competitors Alicia and Sonny against harsh criticism from online trolls. Their comments come in the wake of escalating negativity directed at Alicia and Sonny, as the show has been rife with drama and controversy this season.
This season of The Block has not only engaged audiences with its renovation challenges but has also been marked by allegations of cheating, intense rivalries, and pointed disagreements among the contestants. Unfortunately, the competitive atmosphere has led to some cast members facing significant online harassment. In light of this, Britt and Taz have taken a firm stance against cyberbullying.
Stressing the Impact of Cyberbullying
Addressing the issue, Taz spoke with Yahoo! Lifestyle and emphasized the detrimental effects of trolling on mental health. “We absolutely do not condone any comments from trolls,” he stated. “We deal with mental health on a daily basis with our work, and cyberbullying and trolling is one of the very, very big excesses on mental health. It just absolutely takes a toll and deteriorates people.”
Britt and Taz’s comments reflect a growing concern about the psychological impact of social media harassment on public figures, particularly those in the entertainment industry. The duo expressed sympathy for both Alicia and Sonny, who have been at the center of this online backlash.
Alicia Shares Her Experience
Alicia, who has faced significant criticism on social media, described the challenges of dealing with negative messages after appearing on the show. She pointed out the perception that Britt and Taz received a “nice edit,” which may have contributed to the narrative surrounding her and Sonny. “I think the hate’s got to go somewhere,” she remarked, highlighting the complexities of reality television editing and audience perception.
Additionally, Alicia reflected on her strong personality, suggesting that it might attract more criticism. “I feel like the trolls feel like that’s okay, that they can just come and say whatever they want to me and think that I’m this nasty person when I’m not. I’m not a nasty person,” she stated. Her comments underscore the challenges contestants face in balancing their true selves with the edited portrayals presented on screen.
In a proactive effort to protect the cast from further online attacks, the official social media accounts of The Block released a “social induction.” This initiative serves as a reminder to viewers that the contestants are real people with feelings, urging fans to adhere to respectful conduct while engaging with the show.
As the show approaches Auction Day, the hope is that audiences will remember the essence of The Block as a home renovation competition, rather than a platform for bullying. The message is clear: while passion for reality television is encouraged, it should not come at the expense of individuals’ mental health.
Viewers can continue to watch The Block on Channel Nine and 9Now, where the competition unfolds amid both creative challenges and personal struggles.
