MasterChef 2020: Reece Hignell responds to Reynold Poernomo’s past homophobic comments
Reece Hignell has defended Reynold Poernomo after a series of homophobic comments he made in 2014 resurfaced.
MasterChef's Reece Hignell has defended castmate Reynold Poernomo after a series of homophobic comments he made in 2014 resurfaced last month.
“Dessert King” Reynold’s past online comments included the chef remarking that gay people were “freaks” that should be “captured and put on an island”.
He went on to agree with another poster that “homosexuality is a mental illness”.
Following the unearthed comments made on the bodybuilding.com website, the 26-year-old released an apology in which he said he was full of shame and regret — and his MasterChef colleague Reece, who is openly gay, has since supported him.
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Speaking to The Daily Telegraph, fan favourite Reece said he felt Reynold’s apology was sincere, and believed he had changed.
“I trust when Reynold says he is different now. I am friends with him and know him and I believe what he said when he apologised,” the 28-year-old said.
“If you aren't able to develop as a person, how will equality ever happen? My personal belief is that if Reynold wasn't able to change his opinion over the last six years, then how are we going to change the world?” he added.
Reynold was 20 years old when he responded in a thread that asked: “First gay couple featured on the Disney Channel. Do you agree with them?”
His shocking response read: “I wish the world made a united decision where they will capture all gay people and put them on a remote island full of gays, that way straight (people) will be happy and the freaks can go on and f**k themselves.”
In another thread titled “Is homosexuality a mental illness?” Reynold responded “Yes end of thread.”
Following the scandal, Reynold released a statement to news.com.au saying he was “ashamed”.
“I would like to offer my sincere and deepest apologies for the comments that I made in 2014. I am ashamed of these comments and I regret them immensely,” he said.
“At the time these comments were made, I was a very immature, close-minded and insular 20-year-old. I have grown and matured a lot in the last six years. I am not the person I was back then.
“I have many friends and colleagues that are part of the LGBTIQ+ community. I wholeheartedly support them and care deeply for them. I am truly sorry and apologise for any offence or hurt I caused.”
Reece and Reynold have both made it to the top eight of MasterChef: Back To Win, however if the Instagram clues are anything to go by, Reece might not be making it to the final.
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Eagle-eyed fans have pegged Reynold along with Laura Sharrad, Emelia Jackson and Poh Ling Yeow as the final four of season 12 after spotting the chefs socialising on Instagram in Melbourne during the time filming for the top 4 would have taken place.
MasterChef: Back to Win continues Sunday night from 7.30 on Channel 10.
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