Commando blasts ‘mean, destructive’ New Idea article

ACCORDING to New Idea, Michelle Bridges is in “LOVE HELL” and her partner Commando has “WALKED OUT”. Now, the furious star is fighting back.

STEVE ‘Commando’ Willis has slammed New Idea Magazine for an article in this week’s issue intimating that he has “walked out” on his relationship with partner Michelle Bridges.

The former Biggest Loser trainer, who is currently on screens as a contestant on Australian Survivor: Champions vs. Contenders , described New Idea ’s article as “mean, hurtful, upsetting, mischievous and destructive.”

This week’s New Idea cover features a picture of Willis and Bridges looking strained, touting an “EXCLUSIVE” inside. “MICHELLE’S LOVE HELL — COMMANDO WALKS OUT,” the cover line heralds.

The New Idea cover line, bottom left.

But the story inside — which has also run online — makes no mention of Willis walking out on his relationship with Bridges. Instead, it quotes anonymous sources who claim that Willis briefly dropped out of Survivor before filming began due to pressure from Bridges to stay home — before being persuaded to rejoin the cast.

“Michelle knows what happens on these shows,” New Idea quotes the source as saying.

“She knows that contestants have hooked up before and she made sure he knew what she won’t accept and where she draws the line.”

Sharing the mag’s cover on Instagram, Willis claimed New Idea’s article was designed to create disharmony within his family.

“This post has come with great consideration. After much reflection I have decided to post in response to an article that is mean, hurtful, upsetting, mischievous and destructive,” he wrote.

“It saddens and hurts me greatly that @newideamagazine and those who are behind such an article knowingly and intentionally go out of their way to tear down, bully and create disharmony within my family and loved ones but within the very fabric of Australian society.”

Willis wrote of a need to “connect and stop tearing each other down”.

The super-fit couple found love when they were both trainers on The Biggest Loser. Picture: Getty

“There is already enough discontent, anger, jealously and grievances being perpetuated in this world,” he continued.

Bridges reposted Willis’ statement to her Instagram page without adding further comment.

The couple certainly aren’t the first Australian celebrities to speak out against New Idea magazine. Just last month, Today host Karl Stefanovic labelled the mag ‘No Idea’ for a cover story that declared he was at “BREAKING POINT.” Cricket legend Shane Warne also chimed in, declaring the mag was “pure trash.”

And Seven host Johanna Griggs has repeatedly spoken out against both New Idea and Woman’s Day over the years for writing stories about her which she says are entirely fabricated.

Recent Media Watch investigations have exposed the lengths mags like New Idea, Woman’s Day and NW will go to fabricate stories — even Photoshopping separate pictures of celebrities like Jennifer Aniston and Brad Pitt together to make it appear that the long-divorced couple have reconciled.