Luisa Zissman, the 39-year-old former Apprentice star, has ignited a firestorm of criticism after revealing she will not attend her daughter's school play because the child received a minor role. The mother of three defended her decision on her Luanna podcast, co-hosted with Anna Williamson, stating that her daughter's part in the production of Mary Poppins was not worth her time.
Zissman's Controversial Comments
During the podcast, Zissman explained: 'I'm not f***ing going because she's got a s****y ensemble part, there's no air con in there, it's a non-speaking part and I'm not going. Because I have to work today and it's very much a stress doing everything I had to do today.' She added that she had a conference call from 8 until 9:30 am, followed by podcast recording and content filming. The nanny attended and reportedly confirmed the performance was 's**t.'
Zissman doubled down, saying she would only attend if her daughter were 'the star of the show.' She also admitted to skipping another daughter's woodwind recital because she dislikes the sound of the instrument.
Public Backlash
The comments sparked widespread condemnation on social media. One critic wrote: 'It's not always about you seeing her but everything about HER seeing you! Totally understand it's not always possible for workers but it's the attitude here that stinks. Content can be done anytime. Your kids are only young once.' Another said: 'I missed my daughter's one line in her class play because my car wouldn't start and the heartbreak on her face. I work 60+ hours a week and cannot relate to this.'
A third user commented: 'Saying something we all want to say but also the look on their face knowing you made the effort to go when they know you're busy. My kids are more grateful knowing I need to take the day off work for their school things than me not turning up. It's about how they feel you being there not what they are doing.'
Mixed Reactions
However, not all feedback was negative. Love Island series one winner Cara Delahoyde showed support, saying: 'I'm glad someone said this, I'm the same with sports day I can't stand it. You're so funny. You say what everyone else is thinking. This is so me, mumma's got s**t to do.'
Zissman, who has three daughters—Dixie, 16, Indigo, nine, and Clementine, eight—remains unapologetic about her parenting approach, prioritizing work commitments over school events she deems insignificant.
