Yahoo Lifestyle Struggle Street mum: The show wrecked my life
Struggle Street mum Peta Kennedy opens up in this week's issue of New Idea, on sale now! Photo: Getty Images
For battling mum Peta Kennedy, life has suddenly become a hell of a lot harder.
Following her appearance on SBS’s controversial documentary series Struggle Street, Peta says her family have been the victims of unrelenting abuse.
"This has ripped us apart," the visibly shaken mum tells New Idea. "We’re shocked, gutted and I feel very hurt. I did not agree to go on the show to be made a fool of. None of us did."
Even before the program – which focuses on the lives of various down-at-heel residents living in Mount Druitt in Sydney’s far west – had its highly publicised premiere, a biting promo for the show created a storm of controversy.
The confronting preview showed a bedraggled bunch of stereotypical no-hopers swearing, shouting abuse and staggering about affected by drugs and alcohol.
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One woman is seen calling her cat a ‘slut’, while a pregnant woman enjoys a drug binge.
Peta’s husband Ashley is shown arguing with his ice-addicted son Corey and casually breaking wind on camera.
"This has caused so much heartache and drama," says Peta, 54, her voice cracking with emotion. "We had no idea we were going to be portrayed in this way. I feel they have totally and cruelly humiliated my husband.
"During the course of filming, Ashley was diagnosed with dementia and Alzheimer’s. He already had a raft of health issues, suffering four heart attacks, stroke and a triple bypass. He certainly could have done without being made a fool of in the promo."
Far worse, the aftermath has seen Peta’s 19-year-old daughter Chloe become the victim of sadistic cyberbullies.
To read the rest of Peta's interview, pick up this week's New Idea magazine, on sale now!
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