Former Idol contestant assaulted
A former Australian Idol contestant who was assaulted says the show made him a target.
- Published by David Knox
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Charges have been laid following the assault of 2008 Australian Idol contestant Tom Williams.
The Sunday Telegraph reports two weeks ago, Williams was kicked by six men in Adelaide’s Melrose Park.
He spent two days in hospital, suffering a fractured eye socket.
Now in Sydney to promote an upcoming single, Williams, who was 16 years old during his time on the Australian Idol, suggests the show made him a target.
After his appearance on the TEN reality show he finished Year 11 but then dropped out, claiming he was bullied by fellow students and teachers.
He has also criticised the show’s producers.
“After Idol they completely drop you,” Williams told The Sunday Telegraph. “I was there with all this exposure and it was difficult without any support.”
Raising the minimum age for reality contestants has been the subject of media debates before, for shows including Idol, So You Think You Can Dance Australia and Australia’s Next Top Model.
Williams, who was emotional upon exiting the show in September 2008, has previously criticized the way he was portrayed on Idol.
He is now studying a Diploma of Music.
Source: Sunday Telegraph