Contestant 'scalped' after reality TV stunt
January 24, 2006 Edition 1
Charles de Olim
Johannesburg: Fear was not a factor in last night's pre-recorded episode of e.tv's Fear Factor. Instead, it was the bodily harm caused to contestants after their second challenge - a 4x4 dune drag - that was the major issue.
The ill-conceived task proved to be so dangerous that the challenge, in which four contestants were supposed to be eliminated, was suspended when Lebo Babe, a brand development representative for SA Breweries, went to hospital with concussion and abrasions. Wearing protective guards for their arms, upper body and legs but no helmet, the contestants were dragged in pairs by a 4x4 vehicle at speed on a sun-baked, sandy surface. Those who could hold on were guaranteed a place in the next round.
No one managed to complete the challenge before it was suspended. Babe ended up losing half the hair on her head. Rhona Pool, an e.tv spokeswoman, said every safety precaution had been taken.
"Lebo was not seriously injured. She wanted to continue, but we decided to heed the doctor's advice," said Pool. Babe said she had "no beef with e.tv". "I was mildly concussed, but did not feel any pain.
"It was only later that I realised that I had lost half my head of hair. I spent a week in hospital and took two weeks sick leave," she said.
