Channel Nine has addressed backlash about Ricky Recard and Haydn Wise‘s “cultural appropriation” on The Block 2024.
As a challenge during the September 24 episode, the Blockheads were tasked with painting surfboards to display in their homes.
Ricky and Haydn decided to adorn their board with markings common in Indigenous artwork. They also revealed on the show that they took “inspiration” from Aboriginal artist Zachary Bennett-Brook.
Despite this, fans took issue with them replicating the style of artwork, particularly when neither of them publicly identify as First Nations people.
“Extremely disappointing no one in production stepped in to let the boys know that replicating Indigenous art is inappropriate and cultural appropriation,” one viewer wrote on The Block‘s official Instagram page.
Meanwhile, others criticised Nine’s “poor form” in letting the act go to air.
Channel Nine responds to backlash over Ricky & Haydn’s Indigenous artwork on The Block
Now, the network has responded to viewer complaints, telling news.com.au that the boys’ “surfboard is a piece inspired by First Nations artists”.
“Ricky and Haydn reached out to a traditional owner of the land who guided them on the protocols around interpreting Indigenous art,” a spokesperson said.
“The artwork was inspired by, but never intended to be a mimic of an original Indigenous artwork.”
Ricky and Haydn are yet to address the backlash.
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