Traitors Ireland contestant Joanna Masiarek said she called her fellow players “mean girls” in the heat of the moment and is now heartbroken over the social media backlash against them.
She was voted out during a tense “round table” segment on the RTÉ reality game show on Sunday. At the end, she accused the other women of teaming up against her, calling them “mean girls.”
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The scene sparked a big reaction online: some viewers think Ms Masiarek should have been more honest with the show’s other “faithfuls,” while others feel she was treated unfairly.
Much of the criticism has turned into online abuse. I’d like everybody to remember we were in a TV show. But there are real people with real feelings. I wouldn’t like this comment to hurt everybody. I’m devastated seeing all the comments online today. I’m heartbroken because I didn’t think that something I felt at the moment would have such an impact. I can’t imagine how all the girls are feeling. I’m getting so many messages and horrible comments. I can’t even imagine what they are going through. But when you’re there you are thinking about the present moment that you are in.
she said
On the show, contestants are split into “Faithfuls” and “Traitors” at Slane Castle and plot against each other. As each episode goes on, players are eliminated until one or more win a cash prize.
There is no bad blood between Ms Masiarek and the other players, and she is excited to meet them again before Tuesday night’s series finale.
Some of the comments I’ve seen, they’re really shocking. I do consider myself lucky not being on the receiving end. But as someone that’s empathetic, to see my friends going through that – it’s really forceful.
she said
Ms Masiarek, who lives in Kildare, is the second Traitors Ireland contestant to speak about toxic online reactions to the hit RTÉ series.
I don’t think I did anything that justified some of the commentary I got.
Katelyn, who was voted out earlier, said trolls targeted her because of her gender, saying
Ms Masiarek said she reacted strongly at the round table after someone suggested she had been twisting the truth.
Having come out as queer, she has promised herself to always be true to who she is. Having her honesty questioned was deeply upsetting, she said.
Since I came out to myself and to the world, and living as a queer woman who wants to be true to herself, I’ve said I will never lie. And those are the things that I’m saying to my [daughters]: do not lie, because it will always catch you. That being used against me. That’s where all the emotion came out.
she said
Source: Irishtimes