GNTM viewers angry about Heidi Klum’s handling of criticism

Before the finale of “Germany’s Next Top Model”, ex-participants raised serious allegations against the show makers and Heidi Klum. The head of the jury spoke live on TV – and drew the displeasure of many viewers.

With Lou-Anne, Heidi Klum has chosen “Germany’s Next Top Model” for the 17th time. Every year since 2006, the head of the jury has been looking for Germany’s most beautiful girl in one of ProSieben’s most successful formats. The casting show was criticized from time to time, but that didn’t change the basic concept much.

Ironically, before the grand finale of this year’s season, several former participants turned to the public in the past few days and raised serious allegations against the broadcaster, production company and Heidi Klum. Liljana Kaggwa reported on manipulation and other practices to create drama on camera. Nathalie Volk even spoke of physical harm. ProSieben contradicts this and even threatens to sue, as a spokeswoman emphasized on a t-online request.

“We will continue as before”

Accordingly, all eyes were on the GNTM boss during the live show on Thursday evening. And Heidi Klum actually commented on the elephant in the room – albeit differently than many had expected. “Dear critics, unfortunately I have to disappoint you. We’re going to continue as before,” said the 48-year-old directly into the cameras and spurred on the thunderous applause that came up behind her in the studio.

In front of the screens, however, her statement was anything but good. “No, ‘we’ll carry on as before’ deserves no applause after years of forcing partially white underage girls to (semi)nude photo shoots, bullying them for normal bodies and eating habits and giving young girls the worst role models of all time,” stormed a Twitter user.

“We’ve always done it that way, that’s how it’s going to stay. It’s gotten so far that we treat our models humanely. Really constructive reaction to criticism,” wrote another sarcastically. “Honestly, it blows my mind how Heidi only reacted to the criticism in the form of provocation instead of insight,” said one user in disbelief.

“Pretty bold to hide real criticism behind diversity criticism”

Many viewers were particularly annoyed that Heidi Klum did not respond to the actual allegations, but suddenly spoke of criticism of the diversity of the show. “Beautiful women come in all colors, shapes and ages. We proved that this year, and we’ll do it again next year. Well, that had to come out now,” she explained, before continuing with the show as usual.

“So that’s it, Heidi Klum’s ‘statement’ that everyone expected after last week’s allegations. Pretty bold to hide the real criticism behind diversity criticism (which never existed),” tweeted outraged -user. Another agreed: “It’s tough. Just ignore legitimate criticism and pretend that diversity has been criticized instead of the way the protagonists are being portrayed and defamed.”