Ian ‘Dicko’ Dickson finally apologises to Paulini for fat-shaming her ... sort of

IAN ‘Dicko’ Dickson has offered Paulini a half-hearted apology after he fat-shamed her on Australian Idol back in 2003.

IAN ‘Dicko’ Dickson has offered Paulini Curuenavuli the weakest of apologies after he fat shamed her on Australia Idol 14 years ago.

In one of the most infamous moments in the reality TV show’s history, Dicko shocked viewers when he criticised Paulini’s gold dress after one of her performances.

“You should choose more appropriate clothes or shed some pounds,” the Idol judge said to the young contestant.

Speaking about the gibe to Woman’s Day in 2014, Paulini said that Dicko’s comment “affected me a lot”.

“[It] really hurt my confidence. I went back stage and started sobbing.”

Ian ‘Dicko’ Dickson back in 2003.

Paulini Curuenavuli on Idol.

The singer, who is currently starring as Rachel Marron in The Bodyguard musical, also reminisced about the incident during a recent interview with news.com.au and said “there’s no way anyone could do that today” on a reality TV show.

“People would just be outraged,” she said.

“There’s no way. And anyway, they shouldn’t be able to; these are often young kids standing up there being judged. We have so many problems with young girls who don’t think they’re skinny enough. There’s so much pressure about this mould that you have to fit into — it’s all crap.”

As for Dicko, he revealed on The Celebrity Apprentice Australia in 2012 that “people were virtually spitting on me” after the Idol episode aired.

“That moment was defining for me because overnight, I became a national pariah,” he said.

Just three years ago Dicko told Woman’s Day that, “I don’t regret saying it,” but yesterday he changed his tune slightly during a chat with Hot91.1’s breakfast show, Dave, Sam & Ash.

The radio hosts were interviewing Paulini when they played a prerecorded message from the man who cut her down all those years ago.

Paulini looks as stunning as ever in 2017. Picture: Mark Evans

“I cannot believe that it was 13 years ago that I said those 11 mundane words that sent the Australian media into meltdown,” Dicko said in the message to Paulini.

“I was trying to be nice at the time, can you believe, but I’m glad that you’ve gone on to do such great things.

“I’m a little jealous actually because at that time, those little cruel words that I said turned you and me into Australian reality TV’s power couple. Think of what we could have achieved together. In fact, right now you’re doing The Bodyguard. It should be me carrying you in my arms through the rain as that song plays. You in the gold dress for old times sake, me wearing a hernia support because I’m not getting any younger.”

Dicko ended his message by telling Paulini, “what I want to say is, I’m so proud of you girl, you go get’em”.

While stopping short of actually saying “sorry”, Dicko’s message did seem to strike a chord with Paulini who appeared to be on the verge of tears.

“Oh my gosh, that’s really nice,” she said.

Following a hugely popular Sydney season, The Bodyguard begins its Brisbane season at the Lyric Theatre, QPAC on 19 July before heading to Melbourne from August 24.