The Scoop: Gold Coast influencer spends $500k on cosmetic surgery
A Gold Coast influencer and reality TV star has sparked fierce debate after revealing how much she spent on her appearance. WE’VE GOT THE SCOOP
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Gold Coast influencer and reality TV star Skye Wheatley has sparked fierce debate after revealing she’s spent a staggering $500,000 on cosmetic procedures, reigniting criticism of influencer culture ahead of Australia’s new cosmetic marketing crackdown.
Wheatley dropped the explosive figure on her new Nova podcast with co-host Callum Hole, rattling off enhancements including multiple boob jobs, liposuction, a rhinoplasty, eyelid surgery, fillers, and a disastrous fox-eye lift performed in Turkey.
The overseas procedure, she revealed, left her temporarily blind and “screaming for help” in a hospital where no one spoke English.
Her confession, which quickly went viral, comes just as Canberra prepares to enforce strict new cosmetic surgery laws from September 1. The new reforms will outlaw influencer testimonials, prohibit clinics from marketing directly to minors, and require all cosmetic ads to explicitly name the registered practitioner performing the procedure.
Critics argue Wheatley’s candid revelations illustrate exactly why the changes are necessary, claiming influencers glamorise risky procedures to impressionable young fans.
“It’s deeply concerning,” an industry expert told Scoop anonymously.
“Skye Wheatley has openly admitted to suffering from body dysmorphia, yet continues to glamorise invasive procedures, even describing the results as something she’s ‘stoked’ with. “That’s incredibly problematic when her audience is overwhelmingly made up of young women.“Yes, transparency is important, and seeing celebrities like Kylie Jenner finally naming their surgeons is a step in the right direction. But there’s a fine line between being honest and being influential in a way that pressures young people into thinking surgery is the norm. These are life-altering decisions, not content.”
Wheatley, however, said her honesty aims to achieve the opposite.
“I don’t want young girls to look at me and think I’m natural, because I’m not,” Wheatley explained.
“I wasn’t born like this, and I’m not going to get online and fake it. I’m honest about having body dysmorphia.”
BUYER CROOK AT BROOKI
Brisbane’s Brooki Bakehouse has responded to backlash after a customer accused the business of refusing to refund or replace a $60 cookie order that was lost in transit.
The customer’s Facebook post, which included screenshots of her correspondence with the cult-status bakery, sparked hundreds of angry comments this week. She claimed the courier company had confirmed the package was lost, yet Brooki Bakehouse declined to replace the order, instead offering a $20 discount code for a future purchase.
The screenshots appeared to show a staff member citing the company’s shipping policy: “Once an order has left our hands … we’re unable to offer refunds or replacements for lost items.”
The response triggered outrage online, but Brooki Bakehouse has told Scoop the matter was escalated to management on June 19, the same day the customer tagged the business on Instagram. “Our management immediately stepped in to offer the customer a replacement or refund,” a spokesperson said.
COTTER’S ‘STILL PRETTY’ AFTER ORIGIN CLASH
He walked off bloodied and bruised, but according to his wife, still a heart-throb.
Mackenzie Cotter, the pregnant wife of Maroons and Cowboys star Reuben Cotter, has taken a cheeky swipe at her husband’s battered appearance following Wednesday night’s fiery State of Origin clash in Perth.
Posting to social media on Thursday, Mackenzie shared a photo of Reuben’s injured face, complete with swelling and deep bruising, alongside the caption: “Still pretty ️”.
The lighthearted jab came amid controversy surrounding an incident involving NS’s Jarome Luai, who was placed on report for unnecessary contact with Cotter’s face during the first half.
Luai copped a grade 2 contrary conduct charge and a $3,900 fine, but was cleared of eye-gouging, despite Queensland fullback Kalyn Ponga appearing to gesture otherwise to sideline officials during the match.
Cotter has since played down the incident, telling reporters post-match: “I didn’t feel an eye-gouge.”
The Maroons went on to win the game 26–24, levelling the series ahead of a high-stakes Game three decider.
‘HOT GIRL’ EURO SUMMER
Former Olympic swimmers are kicking off what fans are dubbing a full-blown “hot girl European summer.”
Stephanie Rice is leading the charge, celebrating her 37th birthday in style while soaking up the Italian sun with new husband Mark Lassey. The couple have been touring the country’s most romantic regions, from Florence to Tuscany, even staying on a vineyard. Rice, who has been sharing dreamy snaps in floral dresses and countryside backdrops, hinted at a long-term Italian love affair, captioning one post: “One day I hope to call it home, or at least a holiday home.”
Joining the Euro swim squad is Lisa Curry, who is currently holidaying in La Maddalena in northern Sardinia, undertaking a “swim trek” challenge.
According to her Instagram posts, Curry is swimming 13km over three days, saying she “hasn’t swum that far since the ’90s.”
Meanwhile, fellow swimming legends Cody Simpson and Emma McKeon are making waves on the Amalfi Coast. The couple have been posting loved-up photos from their Positano getaway, with Simpson sharing videos of himself serenading locals and diving into the crystal-clear waters.
It comes hot on the heels of Simpson being spotted in LA, where he was reportedly taking music industry meetings
FARMER WANTS A WIFE COUPLE’S NEXT BIG VENTURE
Six months after saying “I do,” Farmer Wants a Wife stars David McMahon and Emily have unveiled their next big venture, a French-inspired wedding and events venue on the very farm where their love story began.
The couple, who met on the 2023 season of the hit reality dating show, have transformed David’s family property in Pozieres into Lagnicourt, a boutique venue nestled in the heart of the Granite Belt. The pair were married in October 2024 on the farm and now, they’re hoping to help other couples create the same magic.
Lagnicourt. named after a village in northern France, is now taking bookings for spring 2026 and beyond. The couple also run Orchard Hytte, a Norwegian-inspired, pet-friendly cabin on the property featuring a fire pit, and a private outdoor spa.
LIONS WAG SPOTTED AT KATY PERRY CONCERT
Jules Neale, the wife of Brisbane Lions superstar Lachie Neale, was spotted letting her hair down and living her Teenage Dream at Katy Perry’s Brisbane concert on Tuesday night.
Decked out in a sparkly silver skirt, Jules attended night one of the US pop icon’s Lifetimes Tour alongside friends and looked perfectly at home among the sea of sequins and colourful costumes filling Brisbane Entertainment Centre.
The low-profile WAG appeared ready to Roar, blending seamlessly with fans who turned out in full glitter and glam to see the superstar singer in action.
Meanwhile, husband Lachie Neale spent the week kicking goals off-field, announcing on Thursday he’s joined Brisbane-based charity Orange Sky as an ambassador.
The organisation provides free laundry services and safe hot showers to Australians experiencing homelessness.
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Originally published as The Scoop: Gold Coast influencer spends $500k on cosmetic surgery
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