Anger Over Australian Big Brother Task
It has been revealed that the Australian version of Big Brother knew a contestant had miscarried, yet decided to go ahead with a task in the current series requiring her to keep a toy baby "alive".
The task caused the contestant, Kate Gladman, 25, a government lawyer, to break down.
She refused to continue the task - to take care of a computerised life-sized baby doll that was programmed to cry and required care.
The task was scrapped, but Gladman threatened to leave the house.
Her mother, Annette Gladman, slammed producers for making housemates do the task in the first place.
"I think it's not insensitive, it's sadistic," she said.
"I think they have got a moronic following and have milked it for all it's worth.
"I know that they have done that deliberately."
In the later stages of her pregnancy 18 months ago, Gladman suffered from pre-eclampsia - a disease that affects the blood pressure of both mother and child.
Outraged community groups and industry professionals yesterday attacked the Channel 10 programme for being "irresponsible" and showing a lack of sensitivity.
Producers of Big Brother said Gladman was offered counselling after the show aired, but refused.
waveguide
