Katie Hopkins has been described as a “troll” who has been saying “heinous things” for years, hours after being dumped from Big Brother.
Far-right British commentator Katie Hopkins has been described as a “troll” who has been saying “heinous things” for years, just hours after she outed herself for breaking Australia’s strict covid quarantine rules.
The outspoken critic, who described Sydney’s tough lockdown rules as “a hoax” could be headed straight back to the UK after she made a mockery of hotel quarantine requirements by joking on her own platform that she was planning to pose naked and maskless while answering the door to security guards.
Hopkins was due to appear on Channel 7’s Big Brother VIP – alongside Caitlyn Jenner – after being flown in by the network amid frustration by many Aussies overseas who are unable to be reunited with loved ones due to the pandemic.
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Hopkins arrived in Australia last week on a “critical skills” visa and while filming has yet to begin on the reality TV show, she lost her job after publicly flouting Sydney’s strict rules – which require residents to remain in lockdown and wear face masks – on TikTok.
On Ten’s The Project, the 46-year-old commentator got a roasting from guest host Jan Fran who did not mince her words, describing Hopkins as a “troll” and questioned, “what were they (Channel 7) expecting when they did hire Katie Hopkins to do this?”
“She’s a troll. She courts controversy,” ranted Fran.
“They knew that’s what she would bring to the Big Brother house and it’s telling isn’t it that they’ve changed their minds because she’s flouted covid restrictions, not because of the heinius things she’s been saying for years and years?
“You know she used the term ‘final solution’ after the Manchester bombing in 2017? That is a phrase that needs to be relegated to the bin of history and she is using it in 2017 and Channel 7 is inviting her out here. You don’t make a mistake like that.”
Fellow host Peter van Onselen countered: “They want controversy, they just didn’t think it would lead as far as this.
“You know, she’s going to go back to the UK now and she’s just going to complain about us and she’s going to build her brand locally off what we’ve done even though what we’ve done is the right thing.”
During the heated debate, Lisa Wilkinson interjected: “But don’t you think this is exactly what Channel 7 wanted and it’s cost them – I don’t know, how much is an economy ticket from the UK at the moment 150 grand?
“So that’s all it’s cost them which is cheaper than a marketing budget.”
Pointing out the irony that Hopkins was actually booked to appear on Big Brother, comedian Tommy Little said: “If she hates lockdown so much … what gig are you going to do? One where I get locked down in a house.”
In a statement issued on Sunday afternoon, the Seven Network and Endemol Shine Australia said “(we) confirm that Katie Hopkins is not part of Big Brother VIP.
“Seven and Endemol Shine strongly condemn her irresponsible and reckless comments in hotel quarantine.”
Earlier on Sunday, Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews said she had asked Australian Border Force to investigate whether Ms Hopkins breached any hotel quarantine rules.
“It is despicable that anyone would behave in such a way that puts our health officials and community at risk,” Ms Andrews said.
“I have directed Australian Border Force to immediately consider the facts of this matter and urgently review whether this individual is complying with the requirements of her visa.”
A Home Affairs spokeswoman also told news.com.au that Ms Hopkins did not take the place of Australians wanting to return home.