Reality TV stars from My Kitchen Rules have ignited a firestorm of controversy after launching a vicious verbal attack on the Queensland city of Rockhampton, labelling it a 's***hole' and the 'worst city' they've ever visited.
Contestants Josh and Austin took to social media following their elimination from the Channel Seven show to unleash a breathtaking rant against the regional hub, leaving locals and officials utterly dismayed.
‘S***hole’ Comments Spark Local Fury
In a since-deleted video, the duo did not hold back. "Rockhampton is the worst city I have ever been to in my entire life," one of them declared, with the other adding, "It is a s***hole." The clip rapidly circulated online, drawing immediate and fierce condemnation from the community they had insulted.
The pair's critique extended beyond mere name-calling. They bizarrely complained about the city's lack of a KFC outlet, a claim that was quickly fact-checked and disproven by angered residents, further fuelling the backlash.
Mayor Fires Back in Defence of the City
Rockhampton Mayor Tony Williams did not mince words in his response to the reality stars' outburst. He expressed his disappointment, stating the comments were "really disappointing to hear" and a poor reflection on the contestants themselves.
He passionately defended his community, highlighting its vibrant spirit, beautiful surroundings, and strong local economy. "We know we live in a great part of the world," Mayor Williams asserted, effectively dismissing the pair's claims as ignorant and unfounded.
A Swift Social Media Backlash
The court of public opinion swiftly delivered its verdict on X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook. Residents and Australians nationwide flocked to social media to defend Rockhampton and condemn Josh and Austin for their "ugly" and "disrespectful" behaviour.
Many pointed out the irony of the situation, noting that the pair's unpleasant on-screen persona—which ultimately led to their elimination—was perfectly mirrored by their off-screen actions. The incident has sparked a wider conversation about the respect reality TV stars owe to the communities they film in.
As the dust settles, the episode serves as a stark reminder that for every action on social media, there is an equal and opposite reaction from a proud and connected community.
