10 breaks its own rules on Big Brother housemate
Michael Downs entering the Big Brother house on Sunday night (10)
10 has apparently ignored its own rules on Big Brother housemates with the publisher of FHM Australia competing in this year’s reboot.
The network issued a statement to Mumbrella about Michael Downs, a contestant who appears to violate the show’s eligibility criteria.
Downs is the publisher and CEO of a media company which publishes magazines including the recently relaunched FHM Australia – an apparent breach of Endemol Shine Australia’s terms and conditions for applying, which stated contestants could not work for, or be associated with, “any television broadcaster, news or media organisation, including any web-based media or other online platform or outlet”.
Following questions from Mumbrella about whether Downs was given an exemption, or if there was a misunderstanding during the application process, a 10 spokesperson said: “Michael is the CEO of a publishing company which is responsible for publishing national magazine titles FHM, Women’s Fitness, Krash and It Girl. The company is responsible for the printing and delivery of these magazines.”
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As to why Downs was selected for the house, the spokesperson continued: “Michael was chosen by Big Brother as he is outspoken, opinionated, mature, brings a no-nonsense attitude to the house, is a single dad to three teens, and represents a demographic that no one else represents in the house.”
In his introduction package on Sunday night, Downs told viewers he was 49 and “the CEO of my own publishing company”.
He also said: “I’ve got a very low tolerance for woke people, people who are loud and obnoxious, and cyclists on the footpath. I’m a realist and I call it how I see it – no filter.”
On what he will bring to the house, he said: “… My no-nonsense attitude and my love for a prank. I think I can win Big Brother because I sort of veil my offensiveness with a little comedic bow that’s palatable for most people.”
FHM Australia relaunched in September, with Downs telling Mumbrella that despite print’s decline, he believes there is still a market for the magazine, and indeed the lads’ mag brand.
“Print is in decline, but we are not launching a print magazine. That’s just one part of the FHM media pie. We are re-launching a much-loved brand for men, that will include regular events, a website, socials, and FHM Escapes tours,” he said.
“[FHM Australia will be] a brand that speaks to men, the way they want to be spoken to. Irreverent, unapologetic and pandering to nobody,” he added, noting the media brand is “not necessarily [for] the broader public who seem to be offended by everything these days”.
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