Bondi Icebergs head chef hits back after claims he ‘bullied’ Masterchef star

Monty Koludrovic is hitting back after viewers slammed his guest appearance on last Wednesday’s episode of MasterChef.  

The Bondi Icebergs head chef was blasted for being ‘too tough’ on Singapore-born contestant, Sashi Cheliah, who is one of the four remaining competitors on the program.

But in a defiant post shared to Instagram, Monty defended his cameo on the popular show, writing: ‘I helped all of these amateur cooks in the same way. It was 4 hours of service cut down for TV. I’m not sure why you would think I was being racist??’

‘Not sure why you’d want to bring race into it at all’: Bondi Icebergs head chef Monty Koludrovic has hit back after MasterChef fans basted him for being ‘too tough’ on contestant Sashi Cheliah during last Wednesday’s episode of the program

Fan favourite! Singapore-born Sashi is one of the final four contestants on this year's season of MasterChef

Fan favourite! Singapore-born Sashi is one of the final four contestants on this year’s season of MasterChef

He further added: ‘Sashi struggled with his pasta more than the other cooks struggled with their dishes on MasterChef. And I needed to help him get there. Not sure why you’d want to bring race into it at all…’ 

During the episode, Sashi was seen buckling under pressure as Monty hovered over him while he made a pumpkin, pine nut raviolo with mushroom and red wine sauce.

Many viewers took to social media to voice their displeasure with the the head chef, with some even claiming they would boycott Bondi Icebergs in the future. 

Defending himself: Monty claimed that his appearance was heavily edited, and that he treated each competitor equally

Defending himself: Monty claimed that his appearance was heavily edited, and that he treated each competitor equally

Can he go all the way? Despite criticism from Monty, Sashi is still in the running to win this year's season of MasterChef

Can he go all the way? Despite criticism from Monty, Sashi is still in the running to win this year’s season of MasterChef

And as Monty blasted back against allegations of ‘bullying’ and singling out Sashi, he also thanked viewers who had offered him support.

One who leapt to his defense by writing on Instagram: ‘I think everyone needs to calm down and understand that this is a TV show where they edit it down to include the most dramatic moments. I get that a lot of people weren’t too happy with the Sashi section, however wishing that someone’s business would go under is a massive overreaction. There’s a lot of cyberbullying going on here which is far worse than anything Monty did or said.’

Responding appreciatively, Monty wrote: ‘That’s right. But that’s 2018 social media isn’t it. Thanks!’

Who will take out the top prize? The MasterChef final four pictured at iconic Sydney restaurant Bondi Icerbergs, where Monty is the head chef

Who will take out the top prize? The MasterChef final four pictured at iconic Sydney restaurant Bondi Icerbergs, where Monty is the head chef

A number of others also defended Monty on Twitter, with one saying: ‘It’s his place and he isn’t yelling. It’s being direct and honest.’

They continued: ‘If you don’t like it then try harder or do whatever it takes to make him shut up.’

Someone else added: ‘To be fair, Monty tried to give Sashi advice at the start when he heard that making pasta was not in his strong suit. Sashi ignored his advice. Many people would be put off by that.’

MasterChef continues on Sunday 7.30pm on Channel 10. The grand finale airs Tuesday. 

Direct and honest: A couple of Twitter users defended Monty following his cameo on the program

Direct and honest: A couple of Twitter users defended Monty following his cameo on the program

 



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