My Kitchen Rules: Channel Seven accused of promoting bullying

CHANNEL Seven has been accused of promoting bullying behaviour after airing a shocking confrontation in last night’s episode of My Kitchen Rules.

“HANG your heads in shame, Channel Seven.”

That was just one of the many posts on social media accusing Channel Seven of promoting bullying after last night’s shocking episode of My Kitchen Rules.

After months of teasing the “MKR scandal”, more than 1.6 million viewers [5 city metro] last night saw the unbelievable verbal attack that Sonya and Hadil launched on rival team, Jess and Emma.

MORE: A blow-by-blow account of the fight that got Sonya and Hadil booted

In addition to criticising the women’s appearance, Sonya and Hadil also threatened several other teams at the table, telling them: “We’ll come for you ... don’t you worry.”

Sonya and Hadil were eventually asked to leave the table by judge Manu Feildel, but many viewers found the episode uncomfortable to watch and criticised the network for exploiting bullying behaviour for ratings.

Sonya and Hadil were asked to leave the table in last night’s episode. Picture: Channel 7

Viewers also accused the TV network of being hypocritical after Sunrise launched an anti-bullying campaign earlier this year called “Beat The Bullies” with the aim to “fight for a change in policy and behaviours”.

Yesterday a My Kitchen Rules insider told news.com.au that there was even more extreme behaviour from Sonya and Hadil that wasn’t shown during the episode.

“You don’t see the worst of it,” the insider said.

“We’re a 7.30pm show and it still had to be kept suitable for families. There was certainly a lot that happened that didn’t make the show ... It was pretty hardcore.”

In response to the criticism, a Channel Seven spokesperson told news.com.au today:

“Last night’s episode of My Kitchen Rules dealt with an unprecedented level of continued personal attacks and threats by one team against other teams. Despite a number of constructive conversations and second chances, this team continued to bully and attack other teams.

“This level of behaviour does not fit within the agreed workplace values of Channel Seven. Everyone, anywhere and at all times must feel safe and supported in their work place. This is a fundamental understanding and agreement by each and every Seven employee.”

Viewers however clearly felt that what did make it to air last night was too excessive and took to Twitter to express their outrage.

SHAME ON YOU @Channel7 for letting this happening on @mykitchenrules! Two ladies just bullying to others & name calling! That’s disgusting behaviour to be shown on television! No one should be BULLIED! Manu & Peter didn’t really do anything! That’s so disgusting! #MKR

— David Grant (@deeigrant) April 18, 2018

What gets me is that @sunriseon7 and @Channel7 are all on the anti bullying bandwagon but yet their primetime shows promoted the bullying as a something to watch #mkr

— Daniel Rose (@dgr_dgr) April 18, 2018

I did not watch #MKR tonight. I saw enough from the promos. @Channel7 should be ashamed for airing (and heavily promoting) blatant bullying and harassment. Register your displeasure by not tuning in. Ratings are the only language they speak 😡🤬

— 🏳️‍🌈Renee🏳️‍🌈 (@Coal_Front) April 18, 2018

Absolutely disgusted that @mykitchenrules have allowed this level of bullying to be aired. Shameful. #MKR

— Jones (@UnoriginalNerd) April 18, 2018

Hang your heads in shame @Channel7
Hypocrites in endless plugs of their support to end bullying and they put #mkr on.
Wow!! Low act guys, lowest of acts

— Jorjah⚘Mac (@jorjah_mac) April 18, 2018

So, the whole Sonya and Hadil scene prompted quite a positive conversation with young people in our household about bullying, and about nasty baiting tactics that bullies use. #mkr

— Catherine JK (@creativecatjk) April 18, 2018

I was so upset watching #MKR @Channel7 with my daughter tonight. #MKR this is your chance to say bullying is NOT acceptable #nomore. #stopbullying

— Platinum Speakers (@PlatinumSpeaker) April 18, 2018

When we are telling adults and children that bullying is not ok..@Channel7 is rewarding it..#MyKitchenRules #mkr #ch7 #ruok

— tracey (@bailsrus) April 18, 2018

Wow, if the Seven Network isn’t embarrassed by this they should be... I thought there have been campaigns to stop bullying of late and this is the opposite #MKR

— Jeff Meyers (@rocket_speaks) April 18, 2018

So far I’m really disappointed with the lack of action from other teams and especially Manu and Pete (&producers) for allowing this nastiness go as far as it has. @Channel7 #sun7 are supposed to be anti bullying campaigners. Ratings obviously come first #MKR

— Morticia Jay (@MorticiaJay) April 18, 2018

When @mykitchenrules would rather promote bullying culture than the actual food on their show. This was so sad and they should have pulled the plug on the Sonya and Hadil ages ago. #mkr

— Tinxie (@TaylaTheUnicorn) April 18, 2018

I think it pretty low that the producers and channel 7 have milked this bullying disrepectful behaviour for weeks #MKR2018 #mkr

— Rusty (@kudurider) April 18, 2018

What do we stand for when a TV show has to constantly serve up bullying, dust ups & disrespect for ratings instead of focusing on what they’re supposed to stand for? Disgrace to our industry!! #MKR

— Luke Kinniburgh (@trupo11) April 18, 2018

News.com.au has contacted Channel Seven for comment.

Originally published as My Kitchen Rules: Channel Seven accused of promoting bullying