A breakfast show host referred to an Idols contestant as an “apple-picker”, a remark that the Complainant alleges 
caused an “uproar in the community”. The effect of the remark was allegedly aggravated by the presenter’s accompanying laughter, and the entire effect was one of negative stereotyping that in turn negatively affects nation-building efforts. The Complainant requested a public apology from the presenter. The Tribunal found that the said remarks do not constitute a serious affront to the contestant’s dignity. In any case, the contestant, by entering the competition, entered the public domain, inevitably subjecting herself to “public interest”, which factor mitigates possible infringement of privacy or dignity. No infringement of Clause 38 occurred. Moreover, remarks by hosts on subsequent programmes amount to a public apology. Therefore, the host’s remarks are judged as imprudent. No contravention of Code found and complaint not upheld.
