The latest incarnation of Toddlers and Tiaras, TLC’s look into the bizarre world of child beauty pageants, has sparked outrage and disbelief.
Last night’s episode featured four-year-old Maddy Jackson from Mt Juliet, Tennessee, emulating buxom country singer Dolly Parton – complete with fake breasts.
The young child is not able to read properly, can barely string sentences together and seems unclear as to who the country singer star is – yet is propelled into a surreal version of womanhood by her mother, Lindsay.
In an attempt to mimic her curvaceous icon – who is known for her ample cleavage – the toddler is shown sporting the C cup detachable bust and butt enhancements before performing live on stage.
With the extra padding concealed under her Barbie pink Lycra catsuit, Maddy’s tiny frame is transformed into an hourglass silhouette.
The tiny peroxide blonde’s mimicked appearance of a woman in her late 20s has sent a chill through many viewers who deem her mother’s actions anything but responsible.
Many believe that the show may influence youngsters to adopt similar behaviour – and campaigners have even set up up Facebook groups in a bid to force the series off the air.
‘Take “Toddlers And Tiaras” off the Air!’ has 1,108 members and three other similar groups make the same demands.
One fan, Teresa Spence Bruce commented: ‘I just saw a commercial where they strapped silicone breast to a 4-5 yr old absolutely disgusting.’
TV.com’s Tim Surette wrote: ‘Toddlers & Tiaras has always been guaranteed to put an unsettling feeling in your stomach… But I’m drawing the line of arguable decency at fake t**s.’
Baby queen: A more normal looking Maddy
Bree Davies of Denver Westword said the show has ‘hit a new low.’
‘We were reminded,’ she went on, ‘that the parade of childhood depravity still exists.’
When questioned on NBC’s Today show yesterday, her mother Lindsay, who entered her first pageant contest when she was nine months old, defends the enhancements used by her daughter, telling presenter Savannah Guthrie:
‘To some people, it’s over the top, to us it’s just what happens… It’s just normal. When she wears the fake boobs and the fake butt, it’s just like extra bonus.’
She too dressed as Dolly Parton when competing as a youngster. In a clip before the show, the Tennessee mother says of the carefully sewn padding: ‘Everybody thinks it’s hysterical.’
But others seems less convinced and Maddy’s stylist Michael Booth believes the attire is a step to far.
Interviewed backstage at the competition, where hundreds of young hopefuls battle it out to be crowned beauty queen, Michael said: ‘I wasn’t a big fan of the outfit with the boobs in it. She’s very young, but hopefully the judges will perceive it in good taste.’
Other young contestants also seem perturbed by her appearance, as they watch Lindsay rearrange her daughter’s fake breasts and one even probes the chicken fillets before Maddy crosses her arms in defense.
Lindsay says as she watches her child’s confused expression: ‘I don’t think Maddy knew how to explain and why she had those enhancements on.’
Maddy’s grandma, Barbara also defends the beauty pageant world, which is primarily concerned with contestants’ external appearance, explaining that the cash prizes can be put towards expensive schooling fees and dozens of toys for the children.
Despite criticism, Lindsay is happy for her child to be glamourised and states that her daughter thoroughly enjoys it as a hobby and can stop competing at any time.
She added: ‘With anything people are going to think things are over the top but with gymnastics or dance or competitive cheer-leading you wear hair, you wear make up.’
these mamas should be jailed. clearly this is child abuse!
I do not like that show at all!!! I get turned off everytime i see those little girls dressed like hookers! they give them so much makeup and make them think they are 10 before they five!
This is ridiculous!!! Mothers are living out their dreams in their children and it makes me sick to see this!!!
That is one show that will not get my “tv viewing” time!
“enjoys it as a hobby and can stop competing at any time.”
I have a friend who is one of those mothers, a failed cheerleader. it is just sick, and nothing to to with their little doll to dress up and parade. As “to quit any time”. I am afraid not.
These people are unbelievable. You dress up these little girls, in heels, ridiculous outfits and make up like they are adults and complain about fake breasts and butt??? This shouldn’t be outrageous to them as it is merely an extension to what they are already doing!