Stars of new Netflix show Byron Baes ‘furious’ over press release
The stars of Netflix’s controversial new reality TV show Byron Baes are furious at the language used in a press release about the show.
Confidential
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Stars of Netflix’s new reality TV series Byron Baes were left furious over a tongue-in-cheek press release about the controversial show.
Netflix’s Director of Originals in Australia, Que Minh Luu, confirmed there’s been drama both on and off the set as members of the cast, which includes local models, musicians and business owners, were unhappy with a recent media announcement in which they were referred to as “influencers” and “hot Instagrammers”.
“They are artists, musicians, entrepreneurs, business owners, models, on a spiritual journey and more. They understand the power of influence. They are part of Byron. They understand the creative vision of the show that has been developed with them over several months,” Luu wrote on Twitter.
“Most of them hated the press release too! Did a lot of apologising that week. Fired the PR team (lol joking about firing, we’re all learning together).”
Luu was responding to growing criticism surrounding the show, including calls for a boycott from Byron Bay locals who worry the show will perpetuate stereotypes and attract the “wrong crowd” to the tourist hot spot.
“Mayor Simon Richardson had it right when I spoke to him weeks ago and he described the show as ‘young people having a go,’ not the ‘wrong sort of person’,” Luu added.
“Anyhoo, there’s more to influencing than you think, there’s more to Byron than the image, and there’s more to the show. No doubt it won’t be for everyone, but it’ll authentic, honest and layered and FUN. Also a docusoap! Can’t wait to share it.”
The full cast has not yet been announced.
Filming is expected to begin this month but there are already complaints about the show’s content.
A petition calling on production to be cancelled has amassed nearly 10,000 signatures and critics including model Ruby Tuesday Matthews, who claims she was approached to participate, have condemned the show.
“For everyone asking if I’ll be on this show, I declined the offer. Goodbye Byron, you are officially cooked. How embarrassing,” Matthews said on Instagram.
A paddle out in protest against the show was also organised by local residents last month.
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