Source: https://www.instagram.com/furpuff/
Painter Frances “Frankie” Cihi appeared on the final leg of “TERRACE HOUSE: BOYSxGIRLS NEXT DOOR” (Episodes 75-87) and similar to experiences by a few other castmates on the show, Frankie posted an Instagram story and is not pulling any punches, when it came to her treatment on the show.
Frankie wrote on her Instagram Story:
The reality of being on a reality TV show:
No matter how unscripted the show is, the fact that there are middlemen between cast members and the audience mean that each persona is filtered and edited by someone else (for better or for worse).
It wasn’t until I watched my first episode on Terrace House that I learned that the middlemen wanted me to play the b*tch. When I saw that episode, I quickly modified the way I presented myself on camera so that no matter what footage they had of me, they wouldn’t be able to piece it together to make me look that way.
As a creator and a human being, I (personally) had clear motives for what I wanted the show to be about — friendship (so that viewers can also feel like they are part of something), thought-provoking conversation (so that viewers can also question and take a stance on social issues), constructive feedback (so that we can all learn to be a little less judgemental and more compassionate toward each other), understanding the self, understanding each other — not these recycled love affairs and sophomoric cat fights mimicking Western tv shows.
Unfortunately what churned out the highest ratings were not the things I stood for or found inspiring, so I left after 3 months, and that was that (I was kicked off the show after I voiced my concern to the middlemen that their mismanagement was taking a dangerous toll on our mental health). I kept quiet (l was silenced) because I didn’t want to ruin it for others and also because ‘that’s showbiz’, but I was also grateful for all the positive things that came from being on the show and decided that I would rather move on with my life than to make it about my woes.
My life has always been a movie and Terrace House was just one tiny chapter that happened to be immortalized for everyone to enjoy. I still have to respond to something I did or said 6 years ago, for those who watched my episode recently, even though my life has evolved so much over the last 6 years.
If only I could have warned new members what I learned… especially the multilingual/ multicultural ones who have to deal with so much more scrutiny for understanding the nuances of different languages and culture whether they like it or not, then maybe I could have made a difference. But no, I’m just so mad and sad and torn that this beautiful young girl took her own life due to the way these middlemen portrayed her, all for ratings, and cyberbullies came after her as a result.
It happens to ALL Terrace House members, and just because it’s expected doesn’t mean it’s okay.
Poor girl was misrepresented and misunderstood.
May her beautiful soul Rest In Peace, free from judgement, and I pray for justice for her family.
I pray for all of us who have been exploited by this so called reality TV show.
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