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Max Markson launches tacky “cocaine addict” attack on Didier Cohen

Max Markson's attack on Didier Cohen as "a self-confessed cocaine addict" was a new low in Celebrity Apprentice.

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Celebrity agent Max Markson launched an extraordinary character attack on teammate Didier Cohen during Celebrity Apprentice tonight.

In the Boardroom on the Nine Reality show, Markson told boss Mark Bouris, “He’s a self-confessed cocaine addict. It’s in the paper.”

The accusations against the 26 year old male model follow an interview he gave to the Daily Telegraph in which he admitted his life descended into cocaine, partying and binge drinking when he was 17 and living in Los Angeles.

But at no stage was he quoted as saying he was a cocaine addict.

“I say every day, Australia saved my life. I’m so clean living now,” Cohen said at the time.

His nominated charity in the Nine series is Youth on the Streets.

It was a new low for the show which so far has seen spirited competition between celebrities playing up for the cameras.

Markson lost sight of the point that it’s just a television game, and one for charity at that…

But the incident also raises other questions.

While Cohen was fighting back tears, why did Mark Bouris neglect to dress down Markson for his character attack? Instead it was left to Coleman.

“That was not what was said in the paper and that was totally outrageous,” said Coleman.

The cocaine reference was also an unusual inclusion in a PG rated television show. Nine’s series The Block, which had also played at 7pm, was enormously popular with children.

But as the low blow played out, it wasn’t enough to save either Cohen or Markson, both of whom were cut in a double elimination. Project manager Coleman, who had failed to see his team win, was retained.

Markson later apologised for the remark, but not to Cohen’s face. By then the damage had been done and the cameras filmed it all as a disappointing storytelling device.

The show ought really consider a challenge that supports a charity which does work in drug-afflicted communities, but unfortunately most of the series is now in the can.

A bit like Max Markson’s behaviour.

37 Responses

  4. Max had to be fired after making that comment for sure. However i think if you watch the show you will note that Max, despite what you may or may not think of his behavior never made personal attacks against others. It does not seem to be a social skill he has developed.

    When Mark asked “why should i not fire you Max” he responded by promoting himself, how he could be better, not by immediately turning on the other guys. Then in an attempt to be strong he raised a valid point followed by the slur.
    Just a failed attempt to be strong by a guy who is not actually mean spirited.

    It was a low comment yes, but not something consistent. On that basis i call mistake.

    One thing that is worth noting is that max raised the bar on how much money was raised and almost no level of respect was given him by the other players for that.

  5. i think bouris’s comments are totally scripted…i can’t believe he went off at the girls for the bouris’s babes name but did not stand up to markson and tell him he was out of line. not even a single comment, just slightly raised his eyebrow. bouris is as weak as water and not a patch on lord sugar or donald trump.

  6. “tacky” yep that’s one word you could use to describe the show. Why are people watching it??

    As for Markson, it was grubby. Don’t think there’s one ounce of decency in him.

  7. Markson is a brainless embarrassment but Mark Bouris is a coward for not taking immediate action against him. Totally lost respect for Bouris tonight. Shame on you.

  8. Max Markson will stop at nothing to discredit his rivals just to make himself look good. Just proved what a disgraceful person he is. No thoughts aboutt lying. cheating or dirty tricks even when it’s supposed to be about charity.

  10. So glad I did not get sucked in to watching this garbage. If it is not a live show, then All the blame lies with the network as all the bad stuff can be edited out…..

  11. Max has shown that if you work with him and tick him off, he will bring out your dirty laundry whether relevant to the discussion or not. After that low, unwarranted and disgraceful attack, Didier showed that he is a true gentleman. Didier is a winner in my eyes.

  14. That was nasty by Max, but I wasn’t surprised.

    Although the three of them are very clearly very much in love with themselves.

    By the way, I forgot how many shows has Jason done this year?

  16. Mark Bouris can see through BS. Why would he want to give more airtime to such a ridiculous statement? Also, its not like the ANTM Demelza bullying incident – Demelza won the show, Max was Fired…

  17. I’m with you Michelle – Bouris looked weak not by not pulling Markson up on making such a low blow. It was obviously edited though as it looked like a chunk of footage was missing so can’t be sure what went on. Credit to Jason though for speaking up. Markson might have been seen as entertaining before but he came across as a prime class jerk at the end. I would imagine that this show hasn’t exactly enhanced either Deni Hines or Mark Markson in the public eye!

  18. Having met Mr Bouris myself, and thinking what a quality indivual (with integrity) he is, why did he condone this talk. He should have dismissed MM on the basis he was playing outside the rules and was a low blow. Also, how come there was no explanation as to why 2 contestants had to be fired on the same night? And Lisa Curry gets the week off?? How about giving Didier another chance – that way him and Lisa can be on equal grounding (also without explanation!).

  19. Markson has the audacity to call someone a self confessed cocaince addict when he has represented criminals selling thier stories to the media with getting a nice peice of the profits.

  21. controvercial enough to make the papers, but not controvercial enough to get you taken off air. And what doesnt get you axed only increases ratings. someone at fremantle/9 will get a raise out of this.

  24. Maybe Mr Bouris saw past it and didn’t want to give Max more time than what he’s worth. I liked the fact he got on with business and the show rightfully allowed Didier to defend himself and set the record straight.

    I think it’s a grey area if you break it down. Max didn’t say that Didier was still using the drug, just that he was an addict. Which I’m sure most addicts will tell you that once you’re addicted you always will be in some way. Taking that into account, is what Max said really that inaccurate?

    Television at it’s trashiest best though…

  25. I was shocked by Markson’s comment, but I was more stunned that Mark Bouris remained silent. Markson once again showed himself to be a an arrogant, mean spirited waste of space. Bouris needed to step up and shoot Markson down. I cant imagine Trump sitting back and not saying saying a word.

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