Married at First Sight Australia 2022‘s Domenica Calarco and Ella Ding have been dragged for their “bullsh*t” apology amid backlash from their problematic podcast episode.
Domenica and Ella interviewed controversial MAFS couple Jack Dunkley and Tori Adams on their Sit With Us podcast in May.
However, fans were shocked when the self-proclaimed feminists sided with Jack after some of his awful behaviour, including telling Jonathan McCullough to put a “muzzle” on his wife, Lauren Dunn.
Things went from bad to worse when Ella victim-blamed Lauren, claiming the bride “knew” Jack had a “temper he could be pushed to”, yet pushed him anyway.
After being dragged by fans and reality stars online, the podcast duo uploaded an apology episode. But people thought they were still missing the point.
Married at First Sight‘s Domenica Calarco and Ella Ding defend themselves against claims they’re not real feminists
Ella started off by stating that listeners are “very silly” if they “genuinely think we support domestic violence and misogyny”. And gaslighting has entered the chat…
Domenica chimed in, seemingly responding to Abbie Chatfield‘s claim that the podcasters are “faux feminists”.
“We’re not doubling down here,” Domenica stated. “Yes, we may’ve stumbled. But we strongly push back on the horrendous comments that we’re anti-feminist and perpetuating domestic violence in this country.” And actions speak louder than words!
Domenica then apologised for “making people feel uncomfortable” and for “triggering” them by giving Jack a platform.
However, instead of focusing on the real issue, she tried to defend herself once again.
“Thousands of hateful comments have claimed that we aren’t real feminists. And in the same breath, they’ve admitted they’ve never engaged in our content,” she asserted.
She then claimed she doesn’t have a “journalism degree” before confessing that the interview was a sh*t show.
However, fans still felt the duo still hadn’t apologised and had missed the point yet again.
Fans accuse Domenica and Ella of ‘DOUBLING DOWN’ amid their ‘FAKE’ apology
Netizens took to the comments section of the Sit With Us TikTok account to slam Domenica and Ella for their “fake” apology, with many calling for the pair to take down the problematic episode.
“Remove the podcasts. Simple as that. You’re not genuine in your apologies at all. Fake and bullsh*t. You don’t care,” one user wrote.
Another penned: “Have you wondered if you may have internalised misogyny? Lots of women do,” whilst a third added: “The issue is that you both victim blamed… It was disgusting, and you’ve left the episodes up!”
@sitwithusthepod ❤️
♬ original sound – SITWITHUS
A fourth person claimed: “YOU BOTH JUST DON’T GET IT!” and a fifth said: “There’s intent and there’s impact. Your intention might have been genuine, but your impact is catastrophic. Having good intentions is no longer acceptable.”
People also shaded the podcast hosts for admitting that controversial interviews were good for their ratings.
“Imagine listening to that podcast being a survivor of domestic violence. You didn’t mind gaslighting on socials. But hey, double down as you get those ratings,” one person commented.
“You’re not the victims here! You’re just not getting it! Hope the ‘ratings’ were worth it. So disappointing,” another said.
Married at First Sight’s Domenica reveals she’s checking into a mental health retreat
After issuing her apology, Domenica took to Instagram to announce that she’d be entering a mental health retreat due to the anxiety she’d been experiencing, presumably due to her podcast and breakup.
“Over the last month, I’ve been struggling with some deep issues that have left me emotionally, physically and psychologically drained,” she wrote to her Story.
“Every day, I’m trying to be the strong, independent and bubbly person you all know me to be. But the reality is that I’m not okay, and the recent social media discourse has forced me to realise that I’m at the end of my tether.”
The reality star explained that after dealing with mental illness for 15 years, she realised it was time to put herself first and “enter a mental health retreat”.
“If you or someone you love is struggling, there’s help available,” she finished.
MAFS’ Domenica’s mum speaks up amid podcast controversy
Domenica’s mum, Anna Maria Calarco, later took to TikTok to share a video captioned: “Trolls. It’s what I think.”
“I’m totally pissed off,” she told the camera. “Anyone who picks on my kids… you know what they can do. They can go f*ck themselves. Report me.”
@annamariacalarco ♬ original sound – annamarialoves
In a follow-up video captioned “I’m anti-trolls,” she told her followers that she’s been “disgusted with what’s going on in the media lately” after noticing that netizens had been “piling on garbage and lies about people that aren’t true.”
Domenica showed her mum love in the comments section, writing from her mental health retreat, “QUEEN”. While Ella wrote, “Hahahah Anna, I bloody love you.” And how’s that accountability going?
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