File this one under: "And we thought Reality TV couldn't get worse." The answer, as always, is "yes, it can."
Casting producers for an upcoming show are "searching the country for one amazing woman who unfortunately lost her husband/boyfriend/fiancé before they were able to start a family," according to a message sent by Cherish Hamutoff, a Hollywood casting producer. "We are looking [for] an all American woman whose partner was a hero (military, police, firefighter) to be our lead on the series."
In other words: bring out your military widows, you guys. Reality TV wants to exploit them for the sport of TV drama.
Although Hamutoff named the network on which the show will air in her message to those she contacted via Facebook, she has since said she was not cleared to do so.
She also clarified that the show isn't specific to military widows. Instead, she said it's searching for "incredibly deserving woman" who is ready to find love and start a family.
"I can't stress enough how positive the show is," she said during a phone call with Military.com. "I didn't mean to offend anyone."
Still, her original message painted a much different casting picture.
"It's an empowering show about one woman who is pursuing her dream to start a family. She will be featured/presented on the show as one of the most eligible in the country who is ready to complete her love story," the message said.
In other words: you know what's hot? Combat loss and service-related tragedy. Military loss and widows are so hot right now.
But do not fear! There is cash involved.
"There is generous compensation to the woman who is selected," the message states.
In other words: do not worry about the exploitation. Exploiting someone's tragedy and sacrifice is totally fine if they are well paid. Thanks for your sacrifice and stuff.
"This will be an empowering show featuring a woman who is at a place in life where she is ready to have a child and would love to find her partner," Hamutoff said in an email to Military.com. "It's a hopeful and inspiring show. The intent is to give a woman who is finally ready to open her heart again a chance to find another great love and the chance to start a family."
The original post did not include a direct comment from Hamutoff, who did not immediately respond to a request for comment prior to publishing. Hamutoff has since contacted Military.com with clarifications to her original message.
