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Sarah Murdoch - Source: Getty Images -
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Debate raged in our office yesterday as we - like many people the world over - examined and investigated the debacle that was the Australia's Next Top Model final .
Was Sarah Murdoch acting? Was it all a publicity stunt? Did the girls know all along?
There are strong arguments on either side of the divide.
Editing the story yesterday, I must have seen Sarah Murdoch's reaction at least 20 times.
And the more I saw it, the more I felt like it was forced. Yes, it was an awkward and uncomfortable situation. But it didn't have the feel of genuine embarrassment. Rather, it had the feel of someone who is lying. And not very well.
In particular, there is one moment, where Sarah eyeballs the camera as if to check they are getting her reaction - a furtive glance that gives the game away.
Likewise, many have argued, the timing felt staged. Why did it take them close to five minutes to realise and rectify the mistake? Was it because they were arguing the best course of action? Or was it for dramatic effect?
And of course, with any crime comes motive, and this incident has brought the show unprecedented publicity around the globe.
As one colleague kept shouting across the newsroom yesterday, of course it was a stunt. Nobody had heard of Fox 8 until this blunder unfolded.
Except, what does the network really have to gain from this? Like most of the world, we can't get Fox 8 in New Zealand. We're not suddenly going to start watching the show or the channel hoping for a repeat disaster.
And while that five minute YouTube clip has made the girls internet stars, their light will have gone out by tomorrow. Nobody will remember their faces from the hundreds of other models out there - which is all that counts for a real top model.
Then there are the official statements. We spoke to Charlotte Dawson, a judge on the show, who is adamant it was an unfortunate mistake. Human error.
Of course she would say that - but what about Kids of 88? The Kiwi band were backstage when the drama unfolded after performing on the show. They say it was chaos backstage and definitely not planned. People were in shock.
But then, there's still the argument that not everyone working on the show was in on the hoax. They'd have to keep it quiet to make it convincing.
Which leaves us where? Six one way and half a dozen the other.
Except there is one more, vital piece of information, which I personally think shuts down any chance that it was a stunt.
Sarah Murdoch - wife of Lachlan Murdoch and daughter-in-law of Rupert Murdoch. The same Rupert Murdoch who owns Fox.
There is no way, under any circumstances, that Fox executives would have - or could have - made her a sacrificial lamb.
No matter how desperate for ratings they may be, there is no way they would be allowed to send her out to die for the show.
Because ultimately, she is the one that looks stupid right now. Regardless of what story she spins about people telling her the wrong name, or the counting getting mixed up, she is the public face of this debacle.
She's the one under scrutiny and the one left red-faced.
And I refuse to believe Fox would ever inflict that on anyone with the Murdoch name.
Do you think the stuff-up was genuine? Comment on the messageboard below.
Read more of Joanna Hunkin's articles.
Add a Comment:
Post new commentLolavanderdonk said on 2010-09-30 @ 11:15 NZDT: Report abusive post
Definately not fake. Australia's next top model has gained such a credible reputation in the Australian and international fashion industry, they continue to produce successful models and they are the highest rating non-sporting related show on subscription tv in Australia. So much money goes into producing the show and I don't think the producers would put Sarah and the show through suh negative press.
susiec said on 2010-09-30 @ 10:35 NZDT: Report abusive post
I can't believe anyone would do this deliberately (as a stunt). Totally embarrassing for all concerned.
dancingqueen said on 2010-09-29 @ 18:51 NZDT: Report abusive post
I had never heard of Australias next top model to be honest. I had heard of NZ and America. Doesn't interest me at all. But looking at the antics tonight, and listening to Charlotte Dawson, I would say FAKE for sure.