If you tuned into the BBC’s Apprentice last night, you would have spotted how two contestants treated male models.
Twitter users are not happy with the “inappropriate” way the male models were treated last night during a task on The Apprentice, where the candidates had to choose a model for a front cover of a magazine.
All business. No pleasure. #TheApprentice pic.twitter.com/X8ARGbPgPz
— The Apprentice (@bbcapprentice) December 6, 2017
During the task, candidates, Elizabeth McKenna and Michaela Wain called the models to walk one by one and asked if they had abs under their shirts and asked them to reveal them.
Lambs to the slaughter. #TheApprentice pic.twitter.com/UtjpeGHHwr
— The Apprentice (@bbcapprentice) December 6, 2017
The “cringey” scene was criticised by some fans of the show calling the interaction, “sexual harassment” and having “double standards”.
Interesting how this is acceptable and just laughed off. Swap the sexes around here and this would be deemed to be bloody sinister. Sexual harassment? Double standards? ?
— James Britton (@jimbritton1) December 6, 2017
This is not funny, and very poor judgment by the BBC. #TheApprentice
— redsector (@redsectorB) December 6, 2017
Reverse it and someone’s going to court ?
— Gary (Moz) (@GM_o_Z) December 6, 2017
What happened to gender equality? I’ve not caught the show tonight…just this image
— Gerry Roarty (@gerry_roarty) December 6, 2017
This scene was sooo uncomfortable to watch, and I’m glad a lot of other ladies thought so too! It’s not acceptable and shouldn’t have been allowed. So cringeworthy, and not funny in any way. Michaela and Elizabeth should have acted more professionally. ?#TheApprentice
— Sammi Hizzle (@sammi_MIA) December 7, 2017
Dear BBC,
Please PLEASE do something about this. Sexual misbehaviour and misconduct happens to both Women AND Men and I can’t help feeling that if this were happening to a Female model then it would be deemed inappropriate yet this is being deemed humorous.
Thank you.
— Michael Whiteley (@michael_7677) December 7, 2017
Elizabeth measuring the male model’s leg is not appropriate. It’s a personal invasion. If it had been a female model, it would have not been in tv. @bbcapprentice @BBC @Lord_Sugar #TheApprentice
— Sonia (@soniakelk) December 6, 2017
THEGAYUK.com’s editor and chief, Jake Hook said, “It was totally unsuitable for Elizabeth to touch the male model or measure his inside leg in the way she did. Both candidates acted inappropriately in the casting and what resulted was an entirely cringey TV moment. As a company who have created dozens of magazine covers, we have never measured a model’s inside leg. It was disappointing to see this being broadcast as a potential insight into how a magazine cover is created. I wonder how Elizabeth and Michaela react if they had been treated in this way”.
