Michelle Blanchard has made headlines as the villain of the Real Housewives of Auckland, but says she has no regrets about comments that could be construed as "body shaming".
In the first episode, she started things with a bang when she asked Angela if she was a "plus sized model" and from that moment on, the two women were officially frenemies.
The second episode was no different with a war of words erupting at the dinner table when Angela made a claim about Gilda that must have been so outrageous it was censored. Then, in the latest episode's 'Pussy Galore Party', Angela was once again the target when Michelle told her to "pull your tummy in sweetie".
Newshub talked to Michelle Blanchard about the drama, something she says she wouldn’t change.
"I have no regrets about what I say ever on the show."
She said she didn't intend for the plus sized comment to come across as nasty.
"It's just saying they are fuller than the average stick thin model... I was just referring to that because she has a curvaceous beautiful figure."
In fact Ms Blanchard, who was a model herself, says she celebrates sharing the runway with women who have realistic figures.
"Fuller sized models have turned the industry on their head and thank god for them. Women can relate a lot to them,"
She refers to Tyra Banks and the supermodel's personal struggle with her weight to put the situation into context. In cycle ten of America's Next Top Model, a plus sized woman took out the title for the first time. Tyra always referred to the woman as "real size".
"It's just saying they are fuller than the average stick thin model."
Ms Blanchard says she was surprised the comment bought Angela to tears. She insists there were no negative connotations to the comment, she was simply wondering exactly which type of modelling Angela was doing.
However she realises it is one of the many types of modelling people can take offence to.
"Models that do soft porn don't like being called porn models but you still take your top of, that's what you do."
As for episode three, Ms Blanchard says the comments were "tit for tat" for things the audience didn't get to see.
While she wouldn't reveal exactly what set her off, she says production decisions are no reason to back down.
"I wouldn't say I was misrepresented because I said what I said."
However when asked if the full truth would change people's perspective on her, the answer was a resounding "absolutely".
Ms Blanchard says her approach to the show is more light-hearted than people might think.
"I would never ever say something like that unless they were my best friend. You just joke and, for me, I don't take myself too seriously.
"You've got to have fun with it and you've got to have a laugh otherwise what are you going to do, shoot yourself?"
But she does want to make one thing clear.
"I'm not into body shaming, please don't say that I am."
Newshub.
