Bardot’s Katie Underwood Speaks Out: The Dark Side of Reunion Tours and Online Bullying
The highly anticipated reunion of 90s girl group Bardot at Sydney’s Mighty Hoopla festival over the weekend was overshadowed by a wave of online negativity directed at band member Katie Underwood. Underwood, 50, addressed the “misogynistic abuse” and “online bullying” in a tearful video shared on Instagram, revealing she was labelled a “complete moll” for simply requesting a soundcheck before the performance.
The Backstage Breakdown: A Soundcheck and Rising Stress
According to Underwood’s account, the situation unfolded backstage, which she described as chaotic with “50 people.” She explained her frustration stemmed from a desire for a basic soundcheck and microphone access before facing a crowd of thousands. “All I wanted was a sound check and a mic,” she stated in the now-deleted video. The stress of the moment, combined with the overwhelming number of people, led to a visibly upset Underwood, which was then misinterpreted online.
From Reunion Excitement to Online Attacks
The reunion marked the first time four of the original Bardot members – Underwood, Belinda Chapple, Sally Polihronas, and Tiffani Wood – had performed together in 25 years. Sophie Monk was not part of the reunion. The event itself was met with largely positive reception, as Underwood acknowledged, but the online backlash quickly escalated. She specifically called out “gay men” for some of the abusive comments, highlighting a disturbing trend of targeted harassment.
The Growing Problem of Online Bullying in the Entertainment Industry
Underwood’s experience is not isolated. The entertainment industry, particularly for female performers, is increasingly facing issues with online harassment and unrealistic expectations. The pressure to maintain a perpetually “happy” public persona, as Underwood pointed out, can be immense. This incident underscores the need for greater awareness and accountability regarding online behavior.
The Future of Bardot: Will the Tour Move Ahead?
Underwood expressed serious doubts about participating in a potential tour if this level of negativity continues. “If this continues, there’s no f–king way I’m doing a [Bardot] tour if What we have is the s–t I’m going to have to place up with,” she said, visibly emotional. The future of a Bardot tour now hangs in the balance, dependent on whether the online environment can grow more supportive.
The Impact of Social Media on Artist Wellbeing
Social media, while offering artists direct access to their fans, likewise presents a platform for unchecked abuse. The speed and reach of online platforms can amplify negativity, causing significant emotional distress. This case highlights the importance of artists prioritizing their mental health and setting boundaries online.
FAQ
- Who is Katie Underwood? Katie Underwood is a member of the Australian girl group Bardot, formed on the reality TV show Popstars in 2000.
- What happened at Mighty Hoopla? Bardot reunited for their first performance in 25 years, but the event was followed by online criticism directed at Katie Underwood.
- What was Katie Underwood’s response? Underwood shared a tearful video on Instagram addressing the online bullying and defending her actions backstage.
- Is a Bardot tour still planned? The future of a Bardot tour is uncertain, as Underwood has stated she will not participate if the online harassment continues.
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Pro Tip: If you witness online bullying, report it to the platform and offer support to the victim. Remember that words have power, and kindness online can create a real difference.
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