There has already been some controversy surrounding Hunted Australia 2022 after fans pointed out several “red flags” regarding the expert’s questionable “privacy violations”, which could have potential real-life consequences.
Viewers took to Twitter to point out the infringements already shown in the first two episodes of Hunted Australia, explaining people escaping domestic violence situations could be put at risk.
Fans noted that a hunter entered a tent without permission and asked members of the public to give information on the location of Erina-Lea Peters and Jessica Johnston.
Concerns for DV Victims after People Gave Up The Location of Two Female Fugitives on Hunted Australia
Fans were quick to express their concerns in the first episode on July 17 after a camping site manager shared the location of two female fugitives to a male “ground hunter“.
While she may have been swayed by the prominent camera crew following them, viewers were still shocked at how quickly she gave up their approximate camping site location.
Hunted Australia Viewers Point Out The Hunter’s Phone Call About Two Female Fugitives Was a “Red Flag”
Those concerns were only amplified on July 18, when UK Intelligence Officer Ben Owen pretended to be a “friend” of Jessica and Erina-Lee.
It raised major “red flags” for viewers familiar with stalking and/or domestic violence situations.
On the phone, Ben called up a possible eyewitness, claiming he was a “friend” and described the fugitives he was looking for as “two females with blonde hair”.
“They are young, sort of mid-20s [to] 30s, wearing a very heavy backpack. I’m just seeing if you’ve seen them today?” Ben asked.
Hunted Australia’s chief David Craig claimed it was vital that the public “assist the good guys” by “jumping on board and helping law enforcement agencies”, but Ben didn’t identify himself with an official department in the phone call.
While Ben may have provided additional information off-screen (such as informing the person he called that it was a part of a TV show), viewers weren’t shown these disclosures.
Hunted Australia Viewers Were Concerned About “Privacy Violations” For Members of the Public Shown on Camera
It was also pointed out by numerous Twitter users that members of the general public might not have consented for their homes or locations to be shown on Hunted Australia.
While major Australian TV productions generally provide legal paperwork for people to give their consent to be filmed, it is unclear whether people not directly featured on Hunted Australia were offered the opportunity to decline to be on camera.
Many shots showed people in the background at various hotels, campsites, restaurants and other public locations.
Other fans shared their concerns that the fugitives’ contacts, including Jackie (who assisted Angie Collins and Michelle Fox) and Kaye (who offered her backyard to Jessica and Erina-Lee) had their homes shown on camera and approximate locations leaked.
There are also aggressive tweets towards the campsite manager for being a “snitch”, which also raises concerns for the safety of those who are involved with the show.
If you or anyone you know is struggling and needs support, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or Lifeline on 13 11 14, both of which provide trained counsellors you can talk with 24/7. You can also talk to someone from 1800RESPECT via online chat. If you are in immediate danger, call 000.
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