Fans have taken to social media to show their support for Steve O'Donnell after the chimney sweep criticised the makers of Channel Nine's The Block for making him appear "mentally deficient".
News.com.au reported that O'Donnell, who appears on the reality show with partner Chantelle Ford, told a friend on Facebook: "I think I pissed off a producer early and now they're out to punish me."
He wrote in a message in his Facebook account on Monday: "Im super sick of the story arc beign (sic) that Im in some way mentally deficient (sic)."
On the same day, the couple posted on their joint Facebook page for The Block: "THANK GOODNESS for people who can see through the glitz! #ZEROTROLLERANCE? #zeroEDITerance #staystrongsteve".
The post has received more than 200 likes and more than 45 replies, with many commenters also slamming the show.
"They expect to get an award for this show after treating people with so little respect - I sincerely hope not," Jaydie McSaltzer wrote in reply to the post.
"This show has a great premise, and enough natural drama without what they do to it - it's pretty disgraceful."
Jade Whyte described the editing as "shocking", while Kerry Tolson posted: "Don't stress too much Chantelle and Steve, a lot of viewers know the difference between reality and 'reality tv'."
Fans also took to the couple's joint Twitter account to express their support.
Yolomusic18 tweeted: "I'll say it once more. @TheBlock9 I love u but u need to back off, especially on Steve. Not cool. Not funny. It's bullying. @ChantelleSteve."
Darren B wrote on the couple's Twitter page that he thought the show was portraying the couple as "somewhat of a joke".
Julian Cress, The Block's executive producer, said in a statement: "I believe I have a duty of care to all the contestants on The Block and I'm not about to enter into a public slanging match with one of my contestants.
"That's not how we do things on The Block."
