Reality TV star Harry Jowsey has hit back at critics of his new Netflix series, urging them to "stop the lies" after claims that the women on the show did not know what they had signed up for.
Netflix show sparks viewer backlash
Earlier this month, Netflix released Let's Marry Harry, which follows the Too Hot to Handle star as he dates a pool of potential partners in the hope of finding a wife. The show comes after a string of unsuccessful relationships, with Jowsey previously turning to reality TV to find love.
The official synopsis reads: "Heartthrob Harry Jowsey (Too Hot to Handle, Perfect Match) is done playing the field. This time, he’s handing the reins of his love life to those who know him best. After years of dating in the spotlight — and getting it wrong — his closest confidants are stepping in to make the tough calls. From a carefully selected pool of potential matches, they’ll decide who stays and who goes, guiding Harry toward what he truly wants: authentic love and marriage."
However, the series has divided viewers, with some slamming scenes they disagreed with. In response, Jowsey took to Instagram to address the criticism.
Jowsey defends casting process
Sharing a video captioned "Stop the lies," Jowsey said: "This might be the biggest porky pie that I've seen about this show." He then explained how contestants are typically recruited for reality shows, noting that the process takes months.
"Once you apply for a show, it doesn't happen overnight. It's not instantaneous it's not, 'Hey I applied for a show I'm filming tomorrow.' It takes months and months and months of background checks, psych evaluations, interviews. A crazy process trying to figure out if you're the best person for this show."
Admitting he could not discuss the early stages, he said that when he announced the show, "the casting process was extremely public." He added: "When I posted it we crashed the site, there was a lot of people on the site, a lot of people applied for this show and all the girls there definitely knew what they were signing up for."
He went on: "What did you think was going to happen? Were we going on Floor is Lava? What did you think was happening? Furthermore, there was no gun to your head saying you have to be here, you have to do this, there was no pressure. If you wanted to stay or if you wanted to go which you can see on the show when two of them decided it was time for them to leave."
Fans show support despite controversy
At the end of the clip, he stated: "It's a little bit silly but anyway, appreciate you. Just don't be lying to everyone. Learn from my mistakes."
Despite the backlash, some fans have rallied behind him. One person commented: "Harry do another show!! I was so invested and now it’s over, you grew on me and now I’m a big fan and I think you’re awesome!" Another said: "The show was great. I absolutely adore the choice you made too. Genuine fire ball of a gal." A third added: "I actually loved the show! I actually wanted you to pick someone else but hey was fun to watch."
Let's Marry Harry is available to stream on Netflix.
