Australia's Next Top Model, Cycle 4 - Controversy

Controversy

This series has created some controversy in regards to in-house bullying. The fourth episode, Reality Bites, shows contestant Alamela Rowan being bullied by other contestants on the show, Demelza Reveley, Rebecca Jobson and Alyce Crawford. In the episode Demelza is heard saying to the camera "the Bitchketeers are back". As the ring leader, she has poured water and thrown water bombs at Alamela in a bid to get her to "open up" because she "just doesn't get her". Another contestant, Alexandra Girdwood said in the episode that ironically, Demelza changed schools several times because she herself was a victim of bullying and now she is the instigator. After the episode aired, there was an immediate media backlash in regards to the limited response done toward the contestants involved in the bullying. . The "Bitchketeers" had also had also caused issues for fellow contestants Alexandra Girdwood, Belinda Hodge & Caris Eves.

Demelza, Alyce Crawford, and Rebecca Jobson were christened the "Dapto Dogs" by judge Charlotte Dawson during the elimination. Samantha Downie and Jamie Lee were also involved in the bullying, however, were not reprimanded by the judges. Belinda Hodge (eliminated in that episode) defended fellow contestant Alamela, and hence was praised by numerous media outlets for not "jumping the bandwagon" and bullying.

Demelza later on camera apologised to Alamela but also claimed that it was "blown out of proportion". As a consequence of the bullying, numerous forums and media outlets decided they would not support this contestant if chosen as one of the final two.

At the beginning of episode five, Working the Brand, host Jodhi Meares appeared in a message to viewers before the start of the episode explaining that the events were examples of natural teenage behavior and the team behind Australia's Next Top Model do not support nor condone the behavior. In the same episode Demelza, in front of the cameras with Alamela, apologized for her actions.

Since then, it has been stated by leading Australian Psychologist Michael Carr Greg, that the show did not properly handle the behavior of Reveley and the other contestants. It has also been alleged that FOX8 downplayed the events, with reports that in addition to the attacks that were televised, Reveley put condoms filled with mayonnaise in Rowan's bed and chili in her breakfast cereal.

Later in the series, Reveley was told by modelling agents she needed to lose weight. Reveley, who lost weight by "eating healthily and exercising regularly" says her choices were what she needed to do to make it in the industry. Demelza managed to again create controversy as many health experts are concerned of how a teenage girl could lose 12 cm from her hips in only 2 months. This has caused an outrage in media outlets as to what kind of message this sends to young girls who are already self-conscious of their appearance. "It is really hard to believe that she could have lost all this weight in such a short amount of time. It sends out the wrong message to young girls who do not have access to the methods that were supposedly taken (dietitian, personal trainer) to meet unrealistic expectations. This should not have been shown on TV."

More controversy took place after the airing of the finale and Demelza being announced Australias Next Top Model winner. Some viewers were frustrated at the glorification of a "bully."