The Apprentice was criticised by viewers on social media last night after airing scenes in which a group of male models were “objectified”.
Contestant Elizabeth McKenna was seen taking a male model’s inside leg measurement as he auditioned for a role in an advert her team was creating. During his casting, the male model also lifted up his top for McKenna.
The BBC One show shared some stills and a clip from the scenes on Twitter.
All business. No pleasure. #TheApprentice pic.twitter.com/X8ARGbPgPz
— The Apprentice (@bbcapprentice) December 6, 2017
Lambs to the slaughter. #TheApprentice pic.twitter.com/UtjpeGHHwr
— The Apprentice (@bbcapprentice) December 6, 2017
“Actually pretty uncomfortable with Elizabeth touching the male model like that,” one viewer tweeted after the scenes aired.
“Objectification of male models there on @bbcapprentice – uncomfortable viewing. Would you have shown the men leering over female models?” another posted.
The show was also accused of perpetuating double standards. A viewer tweeted: “If those models were women with men pawing over them there would be uproar about sexism but it’s fine for them to do that to the guys with the ‘all work no pleasure’ comment not meaning to be prude but sour taste.”
Check out a selection of tweets about the scenes below.
@claudelittner was shocked & disappointed by ladies behaviour with male models – just because they are women doesn’t make it ok #inappropriate #TheApprentice
— TheGhettoRacoon (@TheGhettoRacoon) December 6, 2017
Objectification of male models there on @bbcapprentice – uncomfortable viewing. Would you have shown the men leering over female models? #apprentice
— Debbie Blanchard (@DebBlanch44) December 6, 2017
https://twitter.com/planetchampion/status/938516547978629120
Actually pretty uncomfortable with Elizabeth touching the male model like that #notokay #TheApprentice
— Katie ✨ (@KatieDeLancret) December 6, 2017
Double standards on the #apprentice .. if a man had objectified a woman in that way there would be uproar #TheApprentice2017
— Sam Thomas (@SAM_90_T) December 7, 2017
If those models were women with men pawing over them there would be uproar about sexism but it's fine for them to do that to the guys with the 'all work no pleasure' comment not meaning to be prude but sour taste. #apprentice
— Katie McGuire (@ItsKatieMcGuire) December 6, 2017
https://twitter.com/emicatx/status/938518616496115712
The BBC show has yet to respond to the criticism. It continues next Wednesday (December 13) on BBC One.