Adrian Portelli denies The Block is ‘rigged’, adds ‘it was my decision’

Adrian Portelli has addressed bubbling reports the show’s outcome was a concocted master plan, saying there’s a simple reason why he was able to buy all five homes.

Adrian Portelli has denied claims The Block is "rigged".

Adrian Portelli has vehemently denied claims The Block is “rigged” after he made several questionable comments following his clean sweep during Sunday’s auctions.

The Melbourne billionaire, 35, is hosting a mega giveaway of the five Phillip Island properties via his online lottery business, after his $15 million spending spree during the finale of the Channel 9 reality show.

During a media blitz yesterday, Portelli opened the floodgates by admitting he had made a secret deal with winners Charlotte and Maddy in the hopes of delivering them a win.

Portelli certainly came out of the gate hot to score their property – which was the last home to go to market – bidding an eye-watering, and unbeaten, $3.5 million offer to secure the girls a $1.65 million profit.

“We hand-selected the auction order to make sure the girls went last. So we can get them to win,” he revealed on Nova 100’s Jase & Lauren.

He swiftly became the subject of a headlines and social media commentary alleging the long-running series was “rigged”.

Further, last year’s The Block contestants Kristy and Brett also made suggestions the outcome was a plan between Nine Network and Portelli.

Taking to his Instagram story Tuesday, Portelli, a father-of-one, slammed the narrative, re-sharing a Daily Mail article with the headline, ‘Adrian Portelli ADMITS the show is RIGGED’.

Adrian Portelli slammed reports The Block is rigged.

Portelli also claimed his partner Karlie Butler wanted Maddy and Charlotte to win. Picture: Jason Edwards

MORE: Secret Block meeting proves finale was ‘rigged’

“I am sick of talking about it and I’m sure you’re sick of listening about it …” Portelli began in a video.

“I never once said The Block was rigged, those words never came out of my mouth.

“Yes, The Block is a TV series, however, once it gets to an auction it’s a public auction, and anyone from all over Australia can come and bid on these auctions, so it’s no longer in the hands of producers, the network or contestants.

“Whatever happens, happens. If I want to bid $100 million on a property worth $2 million, I’m allowed to.

“So suck it up and stop having a sook. It was my decision. I made the girls win. It was the best house and best contestants. And that’s a wrap.”

Portelli is a billionaire from Melbourne. Picture: Supplied/Instagram

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Portelli went on to say it was usual for prospective buyers to be in talks with Block contestants in the lead-up to the auctions.

He said the room was filled with people dressed in branded clothing, more so this year than ever, because they were encouraged by contestants to get involved and would be able to promote their businesses in the process.

“They’re out there networking, reaching out to as many people as they can, selling them the dream,” Portelli continued.

“That’s why everyone in the crowd was a walking billboard with logos head-to-toe.

“It’s just the game, and the girls played it best because they picked the guy with the most money. Facts.”

Winners of this year’s Block: Maddy and Charlotte. Picture: Channel 9

Addressing allegations the result was contrived, a Nine spokesperson told news.com.au, “The Block auctions are conducted by licensed real estate agents who are required to comply with all relevant laws while in the presence of Consumer Affairs.”

Next year’s season will be very different, though.

Portelli announced his “retirement” from the show during the finale, after first appearing on it back in 2022 in his yellow Lamborghini.

Continuing his Instagram rant, the businessman flagged he might fill the void left by The Block by making his own TV show.

Originally published as Adrian Portelli denies The Block is ‘rigged’, adds ‘it was my decision’