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Reality TV Claims 11 Lives

Shows can be detrimental to mental health: experts

By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff

Posted Jun 2, 2009 10:48 AM CDT
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(Newser) – It's a very good thing Susan Boyle went straight to the hospital post-reality TV loss, reports the Wrap: Reality shows have taken a fatal toll on at least 11 participants, ranging from a deputy district attorney to a boxer to a former child actor; two more have attempted to end their lives. Mental health experts say that reality shows can have a long-lasting detrimental effect on their cast members—winners and losers alike.

A few of the victims:

  • Boxer Najai Turpin shot himself a few weeks before he was set to fight on The Contender.
  • The producer of the unsold Vegas Elvis jumped off a building after filming; the show actually promoted the suicide in a press release.
  • Simon Foster killed himself after appearing on Britain’s Wife Swap, where he became a “laughingstock” because his wife was dating a woman.
  • James Scott Terrill shot himself at the cemetery where his father was buried after appearing on Supernanny.
  • Paula Goodspeed overdosed on prescription drugs in front of Paula Abdul’s home after being rejected from American Idol.

Jo O'Meara, who tried to kill herself, was accused of being a bully and a racist and said she got death threats after being on the UK's Celebrity Big Brother.
Jo O'Meara, who tried to kill herself, was accused of being a "bully and a racist" and said she got death threats after being on the UK's "Celebrity Big Brother."   (Getty Images)
Danny Bonaduce, formerly of the Partridge Family, tried to commit suicide after his wife said she wanted a divorce while their reality show was filming.
Danny Bonaduce, formerly of the "Partridge Family," tried to commit suicide after his wife said she wanted a divorce while their reality show was filming.   (Getty Images)
This image provided by the California Department of Motor Vehicles shows Paula Goodspeed, who committed suicide near Paula Abdul's home.
This image provided by the California Department of Motor Vehicles shows Paula Goodspeed, who committed suicide near Paula Abdul's home.   (AP Photo/Calif. DMV)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 8 comments
kokuaguy
Jun 3, 2009 3:50 AM CDT
Sorry for posting the wrong paste above. It was the last sentence that I intended as a reply to Newserhound.
bacimom
Jun 3, 2009 2:12 AM CDT
Everyone supposedly wants their ? minutes of fame, and the money... ho the money. Fact is this is not fame, and mental anguish for participants, friends and families on all non-talent related reality programming and just plain tortue for the talent related shows. The networks love them because they're cheap, non-scripted, low budget dreck. The fact is that if this stuff (dating, divorce, parenting, rehab, cheating, eating rat's testicles, whatever wasn't marketed as "entertainment" most people would be appalled and consider it poor taste gawking and gossip-mingering if it was discussed in public amongst strangers. It is voyeurism at its worst and I don't know which group is more disgusting, the producers of the mess or the participants who are willlng to air their dirtiest skeletons and laudry for other peoples' delectation and ability to say "not me"! The longer we the people watch and give it ratings, the worse society will be and the more exacerbation the problem of mental illness, suicide, murder etc amongst the parties involved... this includes shock shows like those that aired people's affairs in public, children's parentage, sexuality etc. and led to stalking, murders etc.
sailor86
Jun 3, 2009 1:14 AM CDT
kokuaguy, from where in the Bible are you citing the difference between killing a pregnant woman versus just the unborn child? I sincerely would like to know.

Boyle story shows 'price of fame'
Belfast Telegraph

 
television • reality TV • suicide • mental health • mental illness • Paula Goodspeed • suicide attempt • Najai Turpin • Simon Foster

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