One of the contestants in Season 5 of Battle on the Beach is speaking out after receiving negative feedback online.
Michelle Mueller and Sydney Lorence make up one of the three teams competing on the HGTV show’s latest season, which returned on June 1. With the help of their mentor, Ty Pennington, the mother-daughter duo secured their first win of the season during Episode 2 for their kitchen renovation.
“We did it!! We got the win! What’d you think about the pantry/drink station? Should it have been closed off?” Lorence captioned a Tuesday, June 9, Instagram post featuring photos of the room’s completed makeover. “Up next: primary bedroom.”
In a follow-up post on Wednesday, June 10, Lorence addressed some online comments she’s received since the show’s premiere. “I’ve been debating whether to say anything at all, but I think I need to,” she began the lengthy message. “I’ve seen some of the comments. Not because I’m hunting for them, but because they’re mixed in with all the kindness and support too. I’ve been called a brat, manipulative, spoiled, a crybaby, ‘the worst,’ and plenty of other things.”
Lorence said it’s hard not to let the comments bother her and that she takes more issue with people deciding who she is “as a person based on a few minutes of television” than people disagreeing with her and her mom’s design choices.
“The truth is, some of those moments happened. I cried. I got overwhelmed. I was stressed. I was insecure. I said things I wish I would’ve said differently,” she stated. “I’m not going to pretend I handled every situation perfectly because I didn’t. But I also know that those moments aren’t the whole story.”
Lorence reminded her followers that what they see on TV is only a “tiny glimpse into one of the most stressful experiences I’ve ever had,” adding, “Seven weeks. Long days. Constant pressure. Cameras everywhere. Thousands of moments condensed into a few minutes.”
She continued, “One thing I’ve realized watching this back is how much my own insecurities showed up. My mom is incredibly talented. She’s been doing this for years. She’s one of the hardest-working and most capable people I know. Standing beside someone you admire that much can sometimes make you feel small, and I think some of that came out on screen more than I realized.”
Lorence wrapped up her post by noting that people don’t have to like her or agree with her designs, but reminded fans that the version of a person online or on the small screen isn’t a “complete picture” of that individual.
“I’m flawed. I’m emotional. I cry too much. I overthink things. I’ve got plenty of things I’m still working on,” she wrote. “But I’m also a wife, a mom, a daughter, a friend, and a person who’s trying her best just like everyone else.”
The post’s comments were flooded with messages of support. “You’re frkn Awesome!! I honestly love that you have the courage to trust your gut in design choices, opinions and when you need to be heard. The fact the you also have a hilarious sense of humor is even better,” Pennington wrote. “People have know idea how hard this show is, the pressure is insane. The internet thinks it could do everything better, but obviously. WITHOUT actually doing the work. You guys are GREAT on camera … no matter how bad you think you’re being portrayed!! Welcome to TV. Ha!!!! Everyone is a critic! I can’t wait til they see me puke in the bathroom reno.”
Battle on the Beach Season 5 judges Tristyn and Kamohai Kalama posted, “You are so so amazing! Talented, funny, authentic!!! Being an emotional and vulnerable is a super power!! Don’t listen to the small minority who are miserable, the majority, like us, love you guys! Welcome to the bad side of TV, the good is so worth it!”
Competitor Angelina Jacobs praised Lorence, writing, “Girrlllll!!! Who talking about my Mama and sister?!? I know the comments can be harsh but you’re stronger than them! So they can say what they ‘think’ but WE know what it took! WE know the REALITY of our experience! And WE came out alive. sending you hugs and love sister.”
In a Thursday, June 11, Instagram Story update, Lorence thanked fans for their love and support. “I couldn’t ask for a better support system on here. You guys constantly remind me of why I’m here to begin with. To make you smile, to be as genuine as I can, and try to make really pretty houses,” she shared. “If I didn’t reply, just know I’m reading them with grateful tears in my eyes lol.”
Battle on the Beach, Mondays, 9/8c, HGTV
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