In a landmark ruling, Channel Seven has been ordered to pay House Rules contestant Nicole Prince compensation for “psychological” injury sustained during her stint on the renovation reality show.
As reported by TV Blackbox, the NSW Workers’ Compensation Commission ruled that despite Nicole’s contract with Channel Seven stating that she was “not an employee” of the network, she was legally considered an employee and entitled to workers’ compensation.
Nicole and her friend Fiona Taylor competed on the 2017 season of the show and were paid $500 per week, plus a $500 allowance.
In her statement, Nicole spoke about the conditions during filming.
“I felt her harassed and bullied during the filming. This continued throughout all of the renovations,” she said in the statement.
“During every camera interview both myself and Fiona complained on film that we were being subjected to isolation, bullying and harassment.”
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Nicole Prince (right) and her friend Fiona Taylor (left) competed on House Rules in 2017.
(Image: Channel Seven)READ NEXT: Why House Rules star Daniella feels sorry for Fiona and Nicole
Nicole also made allegations of physical abuse and further claimed she and Fiona were given the “villain edit” after complaining to the network.
She said that she was unable to find work following her appearance on the show and suffered mental health issues.
“I wanted to kill myself and I started drinking more alcohol in an attempt to self-medicate my injury.”
WATCH: Nicole and Fiona appear on House Rules back in 2017. Story continues below…
In the 27-page report, the Commission’s Arbitrator Cameron Burge ruled that Nicole had been placed in a “hostile” work environment and criticised the network for its lack of action
over “hateful comments” about the contestant on the show’s social media platforms.
The ruling comes after House Rules host Johanna Griggs quit her role after seven seasons, announcing the news on Instagram in July.
“Reality TV production has been an eye opener, they are such enormous beasts with so many people involved, and I’ve had a great time over the last 7 years steering the ship,” she wrote at the time.
Now To Love has reached out to Channel Seven for comment.
If you or someone you know needs help, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit its website
Joh Griggs quit House Rules as host in July.
(Image: Channel Seven)
