The highly anticipated reunion of Australian pop group Bardot at Sydney’s Mighty Hoopla festival over the weekend has been overshadowed by online abuse directed at singer Katie Underwood. Underwood, 50, took to Instagram to address what she described as “misogynistic abuse” and “online bullying” following the group’s first performance in over two decades.
While Underwood expressed gratitude for the overwhelmingly positive reception to Bardot’s return, she revealed she’s been targeted by negative comments, including one accusing her of acting like “a complete moll” backstage. The reunion, featuring Belinda Chapple, Sally Polihronas, and Tiffani Wood, but notably excluding Sophie Monk, sparked significant nostalgia among fans, but likewise appears to have ignited some behind-the-scenes drama that spilled over into the online sphere.
In a tearful video shared on her Instagram page – which has since been taken down – Underwood detailed the hectic environment backstage, explaining she simply wanted a soundcheck and microphone before taking the stage. “The moment you put that thought on the page, online, it’s online bullying. Don’t f–king kid yourself, that’s exactly what it is,” she stated in the video, as reported by 7NEWS.
Underwood explained that the pressure of performing after 25 years, combined with a crowded backstage area, led to her appearing stressed. She pushed back against the expectation that women should always appear happy and expressed her frustration with the negativity. “Just since half an hour before our first show in f–king 25 years, heaven forbid I get a little stressed and don’t have a pleasing face and an acceptable social manner,” she added.
The singer issued a warning to those continuing to post abusive comments, stating they would be blocked from her account. More seriously, she questioned whether she would participate in a potential Bardot tour if she continued to face such negativity. “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 put up with,” she said.
Bardot was formed in 2000 through the reality television series Popstars, quickly becoming a prominent force in the Australian pop music scene. Star Observer notes the group’s reunion at Mighty Hoopla, known as a large LGBTQ+ music festival, was a moment many fans had long awaited. The band disbanded in 2002 after several successful singles.
The Mighty Hoopla festival, held on February 21st at Bondi Beach, saw four of the five original members – Underwood, Chapple, Polihronas, and Wood – take the stage. Belinda Chapple shared her excitement about the reunion on Instagram, stating, “After 23 years, we’re stepping back on stage together for the first time,” and expressing gratitude for the opportunity.
Underwood’s experience highlights the challenges public figures face with online harassment, even during moments of celebration. The incident has sparked a conversation about the pressures placed on women in the entertainment industry and the impact of online negativity. The Daily Mail reported on Underwood’s emotional response, emphasizing the singer’s distress over the online attacks.
The future of a potential Bardot tour remains uncertain, contingent on whether the online harassment subsides. The band’s reunion has undoubtedly reignited interest in their music and legacy, but Underwood’s experience serves as a stark reminder of the darker side of fame and the importance of addressing online bullying.
What comes next for Bardot remains to be seen, but the band’s members will likely require to address the issue of online negativity before considering further performances. Share your thoughts on this story and the challenges faced by performers in the digital age in the comments below.
