Masterchef Mum Gets Death Threats
Hundreds of highly offensive comments, including threats of violence, have been posted on the pages with one – named the “Get rid of JOANNE ZALM (masterchef) fanclub” – with just under 1000 members.
“We all know Joanne can’t cook and is not a team player. She is so annoying she needs to go. fell [sic] free to use this page to voice your opinions,” reads the page’s preamble.
One comment reads, “LET’S KILL THE B. . . .”.
Hundreds have joined similar hate groups, criticising everything from the Sydney hairdresser’s looks, facial expressions, Lebanese heritage, dress sense and cooking style.
“MasterChef is a family show and a family website. We have always removed posts that are abusive and have taken an even harder stance in recent weeks.
“We encourage debate, however all non-constructive personal abuse are removed and repeat offenders banned.”
Zalm admitted she wasn’t aware of the Facebook groups. “I’m oblivious to it,” she said yesterday.
Facebook did not respond to The Daily Telegraph’s inquiries.
Zalm is one of three female contestants left hoping to follow on from inaugural winner Julie Goodwin, who scored an upset win over Poh Ling Yeow last year.
The hate pages dedicated to Zalm are a blight on what is undoubtedly a massive success story for Ten and production company FremantleMedia which generates upwards of $100 million in advertising and endorsement revenue through the country’s most-watched program.
It continues to break ratings records, with Sunday night’s London show drawing 1.95 million viewers – a season record for a challenge episode. This week’s special is expected to continue the ratings climb.
Tags: Daily Telegraph, Death Threats, Drawing 1, Dress Sense, facebook, Facial Expressions, Fremantlemedia, Hate Groups, Inaugural Winner, Julie Goodwin, Lebanese Heritage, London Show, Massive Success, Million Viewers, Offensive Comments, Personal Abuse, Repeat Offenders, Upset Win, Watched Program, Zalm
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