Does reality TV harm contestants? One former contestant on Britain's The X Factor is suing Simon Cowell’s record company over how she was treated on the show.
'TV show ruined my life,' says X Factor star
Does reality TV harm contestants? One former contestant on Britain's The X Factor is suing Simon Cowell's record company over how she was treated on the show.
What's happening?
Katie Waissel wanted to have a successful career as a singer. So what better way to achieve her goal than to wow the judges on the X Factor, Britain's most famous singing competition?
It did not go the way she planned. She finished seventh and became known as the "most hated" contestant of the series.
Two years ago, she spoke out about suffering from panic attacksA sudden episode of intense fear. They can cause physical symptoms such as shaking and feeling sick. and mental health problems after appearing on X factor.
Now, Waissel is planning to sueStart a legal fight against someone or something. Simon CowellAn English television personality who created the X Factor and Got Talent reality show formats. , one of the show's judges, over her treatment.
Find out more
Does reality TV harm contestants?
Yes! The people who make reality TV shows try to create as much drama and entertainment as possible - without thinking about the feelings of the real people who appear in their shows.
No! Reality TV can give people amazing opportunities. With some changes, it can be made in a way which is good for everyone.
Keywords
Panic attacks - A sudden episode of intense fear. They can cause physical symptoms such as shaking and feeling sick.
Sue - Start a legal fight against someone or something.
Simon Cowell - An English television personality who created the X Factor and Got Talent reality show formats.
‘TV show ruined my life,’ says X Factor star
Glossary
Panic attacks - A sudden episode of intense fear. They can cause physical symptoms such as shaking and feeling sick.
Sue - Start a legal fight against someone or something.
Simon Cowell - An English television personality who created the X Factor and Got Talent reality show formats.