Heidi Montag claims she was "tortured to the point of convulsively throwing up" by NBC reality show

[Amerigo Vespucci]

Heidi & Spencer -- Tortured?

Posted Jun 7th 2009 10:35AM by TMZ Staff

Heidi Pratt was tortured by NBC to the point she was "convulsively throwing up" -- that's what some people on the set of "I'm a Celebrity ... Get Me Out of Here!" are telling TMZ.



We've learned Heidi was rushed to the hospital and diagnosed with a gastric ulcer, after being held with hubby Spencer Pratt in a dark room for a day and a night with only water, rice and beans. It was designed as punishment because they left the show. One cast member described their treatment this way -- "It's the same as Guantanamo Bay."

And get this ... a cast member tells us NBC execs tried to convince Heidi to stay on the set rather than take an ambulance to a hospital for treatment. She has now left the hospital and is on meds.

We're told some of the cast members want to quit, but their passports have been taken away and they are under guard.

http://www.tmz.com/2009/06/07/heidi-and-spencer-tortured/

[Skittles]

1. this gal is aware she is a joke, right?

[pnwmom]

29. The producers of this show are playing God. Which is worse?

From the link at the OP:

Paul Telegdy, NBC's Exec VP of Alternative Programming, told Ryan Seacrest about holding Heidi and Spencer in isolation as punishment, adding, "...They are now going to be examined, and their value system utterly deconstructed ...These people really are going to bare their souls."

[create.peace]

2. don't know that one

i thought you were talking about a viewer of a reality show....that would be me.

[NYC_SKP]

3. Anyone spending that much time with Spencer Pratt needs help, badly...

"It's the same as Guantanamo Bay!" :rofl:

[SteelPenguin]

4. Just for a split second...

...I actually considered how awesome a reality show would be if all it did was take in b-list and no-list "stars" who just want the limelight and then torture them on television for 6 weeks...

[Garbo 2004]

5. "the same as Guantanamo?" Oh yeah, I'm sure, exactly just the same....

:crazy:

[silverweb]

6. That can't be legal.

I don't watch TV, but I don't care what kind of contract they signed, that kind of treatment cannot be legal.

[TahitiNut]

11. I guess that might depend on the legal system in Costa Rica.

:shrug:

[silverweb]

17. Could be.

I hope this leads to a whole string of lawsuits and shutting down these disgusting reality shows. They cater to and bring out the very worst in people, and I hope the whole concept dies a horrible death.

[kjackson227]

50. I totally agree. I can't stand these shows.

[merh]

54. This controversy added to the child labor issues that affect

other reality shows (or soon to be made shows like Ocotmom's) may well shut down these bogus programs.

We can hope.

[Journeyman]

7. Somewhat related -- 11 people have committed suicide (or tried to) . . .

over their treatment on reality shows in the past 4 or so years.

I've never watched the shows, so can't attest to the treatment alleged in this document, but some of the stories were incredibly tragic (especially Kelli McGee and her sister, Deleese Wilson). To learn as well the results are often scripted was expected, I must admit, but also quite eye-opening for the suicides' alleged rationales.

I found this link on a blog I read often, so can't attest to its validity (I don't often read Hollywood news), but if true, the conclusions are quite disturbing.


http://www.thewrap.com/article/thewrap-investigates-11-reality-show-players-have-committed-suicide_3409?page=1

[Confusious]

9. Started reading the article

The first woman mentioned, Paula Goodspeed, had DEFINITE mental problems.

Looks like alot of them did. But that's what these show feed on, and that's why I NEVER watch them. I may have caught 1 or 2 episodes of american idol when I was dating this girl, but I have proudly missed every reality show since.... was 'survivor' the first? 1997?

[Journeyman]

21. Yes, most of these people seem to have had major problems. . .

as one of the commenters on the article site mentions, these are the type of people that would be attracted to such a "chance at success," and unfortunately as well, the ones most liable to go off the edge when treated as they are by these programs -- especially if they are victims of the program's lies about them, or feel they have been conspired against.

It was Kelli McGee's story that struck me hardest. From the article:

4. KELLI MCGEE
“Extreme Makover,” ABC
2005

McGee wasn't even a contestant on the show -- it was her sister, Deleese Williams, who was flown to L.A. for what producers called a "Cinderella-like transformation" that would fix her deformed jaw, droopy eyelids and crooked teeth. But the night before her plastic surgery, Williams was told she was being dumped from the show because her recovery time "wouldn't fit with the show's productions schedule," said producers.

Williams reportedly sobbed, "How can I go home as ugly as I left? I was supposed to come home pretty!"

McGee had been coaxed by show producers to say mean things about Williams’ looks -- apparently with the intention of contrasting those comment with the “made-over” Williams. When Williams became aware of her sister’s hurtful remarks, family members claim, “Kelli went all to pieces” and took a fatal overdose of pills and alcohol in May.

Williams, who now is raising her sister’s two children, is suing ABC and production company, Endemol Productions, for breach of contract, willful infliction of emotional distress and negligence. ABC referred questions about McGee to Endemol, which did not immediately return calls seeking comment.



This type of irresponsibility should be criminal. Williams shouldn't have to have filed civil suits against the network. Or if necessary, she should be filing against people already in prison.

And like you, Confusious, I've never watched any of these shows. Seen a few YouTube vids of the English "Idol" program, but other than that I just have no interest in these sorts of shows. And now, given the info in this article, I'm very glad I don't watch these programs.

[aquart]

25. I don't watch humiliation "entertainment" either.

I keep thinking They Shoot Horses, Don't They? which was about the desperation of people in the last depression.

[northernlights]

56. that's always been my take on them too

The dance contests from the last great depression, the wealthy getting entertainment by watching the desperation of others...

I never could understand the attraction of "reality tv." I find it disgusting. My teevee dies this June 12. I have no plans at this point to revive it. Other than the weather, very little actual entertainment there.

[XemaSab]

35. I read that article and the related articles

and the therapist's comment's seem to be at the heart of it.

You go on the show knowing that the producers are looking for a "type," and you think you're going to be the hot, smart chick, but instead you're the nasty, backstabbing bitch who everyone hates. Not because you suddenly became a different person, but because the producers left all the nice things you said and did on the floor, and only showed the bad things.

I can see how that would really shake a person up... especially if you got loads of hate mail afterwards.

[HarukaTheTrophyWife]

51. Yes, and given the amount of people on reality TV, the percentage is lower than the general pop.

Correlation does not equal causation.

[Confusious]

8. waaaaaaa

Breaking a nail is probably torture for her. She probably signed a contract, so they get to do anything they want to her ( within limits, of course ) being held in a dark room with beans and rice and water is a day for me.

I say again.... waaaaaaaaaa...

[Maru Kitteh]

13. imprisonment against one's will is not legal under any civilian contract

They are welcome to sue her for breach if she fails to abide by her end, but they cannot imprison her against her will.

[Confusious]

15. Again, its a winy, pampered, Idiotic celebrity.

She probably had to wait in a shack at the beach for a day so the boat or plane could pick her up. The producers were probably upset, so they gave her beans, rice and water to eat and drink.

Again, winy, pampered, idiotic celebrity.

[Suich]

19. After quitting the show twice, they wanted to rejoin the cast.

As Heidi said,"The devil got into us." In order to prove they weren't just pulling another scam, they were told they'd have to spend the night, not 3 days, in the isolation booth/room/place, which they willingly agreed to do. No body forced those two dim bulbs to do anything.

The name of the "show" is "I'm a Celebrity: Get Me Out of Here!" They can leave anytime they want.

:hi:

[ejpoeta]

37. i have to say that given the way they were on the show...

i don't think she is being quite accurate. I will bet that they put her in a less than five star hotel room or something and that she is exaggerating. if i am wrong, then i am sorry, complained about everything and weren't exactly honest. granted, i watched about five minutes because i can't really stand these shows. but they are everywhere. my sister had watched it so i thought i'd see how the 'celebrities' were doing. Those two just whined the whole time. And I understand that editing can make someone look like anything. But i get the vibe of exaggeration from these two. frankly.

I despise these shows myself. I was the one who liked the first season of big brother apparently no one else was watching. they were nice to each other and helped each other out. after that season it turned into survivor in a house. yuck! I always wonder why people put themselves through these shows, though I know why. And how many go out of there being misrepresented. I know that on the Real World a girl walked off the show. I can't remember why, but she did. I think most of the shows are exploitative and in no way 'reality'. Even shows that are closer to it aren't. Like "american chopper" which seemed more realistic the first season, and then you could tell they were playing up for the cameras and had all the product placement stuff starting. Now.... forget it. Just the act of having hte cameras there alters the situation and it becomes not reality.

[foo_bar]

47. I think you have the right idea, although the "controversy" seems manufactured for ratings

"<I'm> really saddened to hear that NBC felt it was ok to punish Speidi so harshly - and torture them as if they were criminals - that Heidi was rushed to the hospital and has an IV in her arm after being locked in a dark room for 3 days <with> no food or water. <Please> pray she will be ok," Stephanie wrote. "Her family is flying out to see her in the hospital. I know they pulled some shitty antics - but really NBC?? Too far." <...>

However hours later, the website posted a new report citing a new source that stated the "torture" claims are "all BS" and the couple -- who unlike the rest of the show's cast, had spent most of last several days in hotel rooms after quitting the show on Monday night -- had actually only spent one night in the room and were provided with food and water while there.

http://www.realitytvworld.com/news/spencer-and-heidi-pratt-leave-im-celebrity-again-torture-alleged-9074.php

Full details on the pair's night in the chamber and the fate of their return will be revealed on Monday's episode of I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!

http://www.usmagazine.com/news/im-a-celeb-source-calls-heidi-pratt-torture-allegations-untrue-200976

[Maru Kitteh]

10. I was wondering how long it would be before one of these vapid shows went Stanford prison experiment

From the Wiki:

The Stanford prison experiment was a study of the psychological effects of becoming a prisoner or prison guard. The experiment was conducted in 1971 by a team of researchers led by Psychology Professor Philip Zimbardo at Stanford University. Twenty-four undergraduates were selected out of 70 to play the roles of both guards and prisoners and live in a mock prison in the basement of the Stanford psychology building. Those selected were chosen for their lack of psychological issues, crime history, and medical disabilities, in order to obtain a representative sample. Roles were assigned based on a coin toss.<1>

Prisoners and guards rapidly adapted to their roles, stepping beyond the boundaries of what had been predicted and leading to dangerous and psychologically damaging situations. One-third of the guards were judged to have exhibited "genuine" sadistic tendencies, while many prisoners were emotionally traumatized and two had to be removed from the experiment early. After being confronted by Christina Maslach, a graduate student in psychology whom he was dating,<2> and realizing that he had been passively allowing unethical acts to be performed under his direct supervision, Zimbardo concluded that both prisoners and guards had become too grossly absorbed in their roles and terminated the experiment after six days.<3>

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stanford_prison_experiment

[Confusious]

12. please

next thing you know you'll be calling it NAZI experimentation. Its a winy pampered celebrity.

[Maru Kitteh]

14. I don't care who it is. Actually I have no clue who she is and it's not germaine to the subject at

hand. False imprisonment, OTH, is.

[Confusious]

16. Here's the rub

You believe her, I don't.

winy, pampered, idiotic celebrity.

It also wouldn't be 'false imprisonment', that only applies to law enforcement, It'd have to be kidnapping, but they signed a contract to do the show.

WELCOME TO AMERICA, YOUR BOSS OWNS YOUR ASS!

[annabanana]

36. You are not able to sign away your constitutional rights..

Now I grant you, proving the charges and getting any satisfaction would be very heavy lifting.

Think about it. If you WANT to abuse someone and get away with it, who better than someone who will get ZERO sympathy and who's legal recourse is severely limited.

[Confusious]

52. Again,

You believe her, I think it/her is a load of sh*t. lying.

[LostinVA]

55. I agree with you

[annabanana]

62. I have no idea who she is.. I never saw her on anything.

[KatieW]

57. They weren't abused. They could quit and leave anytime they waned.

I believe they had already quit three times before this happened. She was diagnosed with an ulcer. You can't get an ulcer over a few days.

Personally I think this whole thing may be a big scam and this may have been set up to get people talking about the show and watching it.

[aquart]

22. Which of course means she isn't a human being?

Sure this is the right board?

[Confusious]

49. No, it means

She a winy, pampered celebrity who thinks not getting into a club i torture.

THERE IS NO TRUTH HERE. She was not locked up in a dark room against her will. She was lying.

[EndersDame]

18. OMG!! I eat mainly rice and beans!!

Can I blame my employers school and my landlady for torture?

[pnwmom]

30. Locked in a dark room crawling with vermin? I hope not. n/t

[LisaL]

20. I can't imagine eating rice and beans for one day would

cause an ulcer.

[aquart]

23. No, but stress could cause a flare up.

Especially if she didn't know she had one, the symptoms would be all the more frightening.

[pnwmom]

31. How about if you were locked in a dark room crawling with vermin?

And since the room was dark, couldn't keep track of time or know when you would be able to get out?

[Codeine]

24. "a dark room for a day and a night with only water, rice, and beans"

Dude, that's how I spent my last two days off work.

Celebutards irritate me.

[aquart]

26. But you CHOSE to do it and could leave at any time, RIGHT?

So there is no comparison whatsoever.

[Codeine]

27. And I'm certain they could leave as well.

And they willingly entered into the agreement to begin with.

This will go precisely nowhere in a legal sense because it's patently ridiculous on its face.

[blue_onyx]

43. She could've left anytime she wanted

She claimed she was leaving the show multiple times. After she finally did leave the show, she wanted back on and was placed in a holding area until a decision was made. She had food, water, and shelter (something the other contestants DID NOT have). She could have left any time but CHOSE to stay. People should not believe a word that comes out of her mouth.

[ChickenHawk]

59. They could've left at any time....

The name of the show is "I'm a celebrity, get me out of here!" It would be kind of strange if they didn't let them leave. It should then be called "I'm a celebrity, get me out of here! What do you mean, no? Do you know who I am??? I'm gonna sue the shit outta your company!!! Okay, thanks, a limo to the airport would be great."

Anyway, they could've left anytime (as they did twice before) but instead chose to go this route to buff up their (supposed) celebrity status. I agree with the poster that said that calling this torture demeans the value of the word.

Mark

[pnwmom]

32. Was that room crawling with vermin and were you locked in? n/t

[LostInAnomie]

28. I'm guessing that that anonymous cast member telling them all this...

... is Spencer Pratt.

I find it VERY hard to believe that NBC with it's VERY large legal staff would even think of doing half that shit.

[OKNancy]

33. I suppose this is in GD because of the NBC connection

You know, bash the big bad corporation. It's all a big fat joke. All this stuff is being put out there to increase ratings.
I watch the show and have been following the background ( I run an entertainment website...don't ask. lol )
These two are spoiled, rotten twits. They can leave anytime they want...and they have, only to come back. Probably because the executives know they are the couple everyone loves to hate.

BTW on the show, guess who seems the most levelheaded and the most sympathetic? Patti Blagojevich


.

[MilesColtrane]

34. The plot line the writers come up with that happens off camera and in the tabloids...

...is more important for the ratings than anything actually in the show.

Please give me the name and address of anyone who believes this manufactured controversy, because I can sell them a bridge in Brooklyn for a nominal fee.

[Joanne98]

38. Are the reality shows trying to make torture the norm?

Probably. We can always count on entertainment to push through far right wing policies. Like 50 years of COP SHOWS which have left us living in a police state!

[Blue_Tires]

39. first of all, who the hell is Heidi Montag?

and second, when are viewers going to stop enabling the networks and producers who make these godawful shows?

[rug]

40. What about the audience?

[WeDidIt]

41. Fuck these whiny assholes

Fuck 'em.

They knew what they were getting into when they signe dup for it and then the whiny assholes couldn't ahndle it and quit.

Twice.

Fuck 'em.

[aikoaiko]

42. I think I'll take this report from TMZ with a grain of salt.

we'll see what really happened.

[WI_DEM]

44. She is a D level star appearing with C level stars--she and Spencer didn't fit in.

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

45. Who the heck is Heidi Montag? Meanwhile, I caught the last 5 minutes of this show last week and

it was pretty gross to me. They had these "celebrities" laying down and creepy crawlers were let loose on them.

BTW..I am not a bugaphobe and am the official bug wrangler in my house (I capture and let loose), but this made me squeamish.

[Seen the light]

46. Don't fall for it, this is just a publicity stunt

Get it off my DU!!

[peekaloo]

48. Harvey Levin sure is working extra hard to make these kids famous.

like a douche mentor he is.

[spanone]

53. this insults torture. it cheapens the truly horrendous deeds perpetrated by cheney/bu$h*

[ForrestGump]

58. Just HEARING about some of these 'reality' shows tortures me to the point

of convulsively throwing up, too.

And I'm another who have no idea who she or Spencer are and to whom the show is completely unknown. I'm anything but a cultural snob -- I'm big-time into movies, including many that cater to what used to be the Lowest Common Denominator in the US audience demographic (I say 'used to' because Idiocracy becomes more documentary-like every day and the LCD baseline has shifted markedly) and I'm a pop culture scholar, of sorts, and don't automatically begrudge stars and 'stars' their status or exposure -- but the escalating extent to which fixation on celebrity, most keenly where the actual level of celebrity-worthiness is doubtful, is really out of control now. And there were always a few high-profile types pretty much famous merely for being famous (Eva Gabor's sister, for one) or who had no especially discernible talent, but was it ever at the epidemic proportions of today? So-called reality shows sure haven't helped, but neither have the trashy tabloid journalism that was bad enough in print but now has to support the snide and cynical enterprises of self-styled gossip mavens on the Web. Yecch...

[MadBadger]

60. I cant believe anybody believes this Bullshit

[Cha]

61. Stupid reality

bites.