Katie Underwood, a member of the Australian girl group Bardot, has forcefully rejected allegations that she behaved like a "complete moll" backstage during the band's 25th anniversary reunion performance over the weekend. The singer took to Instagram on Monday to share an emotional video addressing what she described as a wave of misogynistic abuse following the show.
Bardot's Reunion Show at Mighty Hoopla Festival
The iconic Australian pop group, originally formed in the year 2000, reunited on Saturday night for a special one-off performance at the Mighty Hoopla Festival in Bondi, Sydney. Four out of the five original members participated in the highly anticipated event, with Sophie Monk notably absent from the lineup. Despite receiving widespread positive feedback for their performance, Underwood revealed she faced significant backlash regarding her conduct behind the scenes.
Underwood's Emotional Response to Online Trolls
In her tearful Instagram video, Underwood directly confronted the trolls who accused her of acting inappropriately. "Since the show I've been targeted by misogynistic abuse," she stated, before providing a detailed account of the chaotic circumstances backstage. She explained that the group arrived only half an hour before their scheduled performance time, with a crowded backstage area complicating preparations.
"We got backstage half an hour before we were due to go on. All I wanted was a sound check and a microphone," Underwood recounted. "There were legit 50 people backstage. I could barely get in the door because it was blocked by so many people. Also, I was getting really nervous at that point, looking out and seeing thousands of people, and because I care deeply, I wanted to do well."
The Struggle for Technical Preparations
According to Underwood, her primary focus was ensuring the performance ran smoothly, but this proved challenging due to difficulties in locating the appropriate crew members. "All I wanted was a sound check and a mic, and for the love of God I could not find the audio tech with our packs," she said. She admitted that in the frantic scramble, her demeanor may not have appeared warm or cheerful, but emphasized this was due to stress rather than ill intent.
"As a woman... I'm expected to look happy all the time. Well, guess what? I wasn't happy. I was stressed and it showed on my face because I have no game face," Underwood explained, highlighting the pressure women often face to maintain a pleasant appearance regardless of circumstances.
Distinguishing Between Opinion and Bullying
Underwood made a clear distinction between private opinions and public online comments, labeling the spread of rumors as outright bullying. "Once it's online, it's bullying. Don't kid yourself," she asserted, adding that she would block individuals engaging in such behavior. She also issued a warning about the potential consequences of continued online attacks, suggesting they could impact her future participation in tours.
"If this continues, there's no way I'm doing a tour," Underwood declared, noting that dealing with criticism just before a major performance was particularly exhausting. Her comments underscore the emotional toll that online harassment can take on performers, especially during high-pressure events like reunion shows.
The reunion marked a significant moment for Bardot fans, with the group performing together for the first time in years. The controversy surrounding Underwood's backstage experience has sparked discussions about the treatment of female artists and the impact of social media on their mental wellbeing.
