The 2003 reality show is the focus of a new “Dark Side of Reality TV” episode.
When the original Joe Millionaire aired in 2003, Evan Marriott played a role in a prank in which a group of gold-diggers were introduced to the heir to a fortune, even though he was actually a construction worker. There was a premise that there was.
But what was supposed to be a shocking twist on the Fox show didn’t bother the contestants as much as other aspects, with them being treated poorly and unfairly portrayed on the series as a result, according to a new interview. According to several former contestants who took part in the Dark Side of Reality TV episode of Vice.
Casting producer Dawn George said: “I apologize for my involvement in this matter and I apologize for any inconvenience that I may have had in convincing them to do something like this, especially if it had a negative outcome.” I apologize for being a person. I didn’t do it to hurt or deceive.” I was doing my job. ”
20th Century Fox/Courtesy of Everett Collection
‘Joe Millionaire’ winners Zola Sabrina and Evan Marriott appear on the show
Several cast members from the show’s first season (Alison Ball, Amanda Garcia, Melissa Michael, and winner Zola Sabrina) recall that the treatment of their work was elusive and even sketchy from the beginning. did. They were told that the show they were applying to appear on was called The Big Choice, and being on it meant meeting single people and taking them to Europe for a chance to find romance. All I knew was that I was going. They gather at the Chateau, and just before Marriott is introduced and literally rides in on horseback, they are told that Marriott makes millions of dollars, which Garcia finds odd.
RELATED: Golden Bachelorette host Jesse Palmer gets dropped off in his favorite limousine
“When it was announced that he inherited all this money, I thought it was strange,” Garcia said. “Why are they announcing it?”
The women jumped out first. They wanted to fall in love, but soon became disillusioned with their fairy-tale life. It started with small things, like when I was introduced to a psychologist early on and made to understand not to keep my troubles private.
20th Century Fox/Courtesy of Everett Collection
“Joe Millionaire” contestants standing in front of the chateau
They had a formal ball, but it felt like it was set up to provoke them into an argument. Although instructed to bring their own formal dresses, the 20 women were told they would have 30 minutes to decide who would wear the 20 dresses provided by the production.
“They have all of our sizes,” Ball says, “so if they wanted us to look good, they would have assigned us dresses in our size. Or we could have chosen from 100 dresses. But no, it was only 8pm. ”
RELATED: Swan producer says he’s ‘a little sickened’ after seeing what the makeover show’s contestants endured
When Michael persuaded the women to go four at a time, he recalled that the in-house psychologist interrupted the plan and said they would all go at once.
After the production moved to Paris, the contestants said they felt more isolated as they were not allowed to leave their hotels, even for their morning runs. They were paranoid that they couldn’t trust the show.
Provided by: VICE TV
Alison Ball talks about ‘Joe Millionaire’
Once, another cast member gave Michael a note because the contestant had not said anything private.
“The notes said that when I went on a short trip with Evan, the cameramen were preparing to interview me and[contestant Sarah Coser]was in my room listening to them. It said they were talking about my underwear,” Michael said. “And they were talking about sexual acts. They were highly inappropriate and transgressive.”
Provided by: VICE TV
‘Joe Millionaire’ contestant Melissa Michael speaks out
As she and another woman continued to write notes, she said an assistant producer came over and told them she was not allowed to write. They wanted to know how the producers knew they were writing, and discovered a camera under the nightstand. Michael, who handed over his money and even his passport to the production company, said he was told his complaint would cost people their jobs.
As Mr. Ball pointed out, they were “kind of prisoners of the process” who signed the contract.
All the while, their so-called Joe Millionaire, the whole reason they’re there, was estranged.
Provided by: VICE TV
‘Joe Millionaire’ winner Zora Sabrina appears in new documentary
“The weird thing was…I had no idea if he was into me or not,” Sabrina said. “He never said, ‘I really like you and would love to get to know you outside of this.'” He never said that, me. I’ve never said that to him. ”
As she saw it, “Evan and I had never even dated,” but the two were given a $1 million prize.
Fox’s ‘Joe Millionaire’ didn’t end in love
While the women said they were grateful for the friendships they had formed, they were extremely unhappy about being labeled as women on the show who were only out for money as a result. It was on the train back to the airport that they learned the show’s title would be “Joe Millionaire.”
Michael said he received a call from someone who said he was actually the program’s editor. He said he was sorry but couldn’t talk about it.
Related Article: Mike Darnell: Confessions of a Reality TV Genius
As for Garcia, “It felt a little dirty. I felt like the joke was on us. They premised the show on women being gold diggers, even though that’s not what we signed up for. It was unfortunate that he did so. It was disappointing and manipulative.” ”
The contestants also faced backlash, but were obligated to remain silent under non-disclosure agreements.
RELATED: Chicago Fire actor Daniel Kiri recalls accidentally drinking bleach on controversial reality show ‘Kid Nation’
“It was bullying, and it was constant,” Michael said. “I couldn’t defend myself. I couldn’t tell my side of the story. I just had to sit there and take it.”
Former contestants were stunned to see Joe Millionaire, which originally aired for two seasons, rebooted in 2022 as Joe Millionaire: Rich or Poor. The premise was that the women compete for two bachelorettes, only one of whom is secretly a millionaire.
“Don’t you think we’ll have made more progress in 20 years?” Garcia asked.
The Dark Side of Reality TV airs Tuesdays at 9pm ET/PT on Vice. Upcoming episodes will focus on shows like “The Surreal Life,” “Survivor” and more.
Sign up for Entertainment Weekly’s free daily newsletter for the latest TV news, exclusive first looks, recaps, reviews, interviews with your favorite stars, and more.
Read the original article from Entertainment Weekly.
