Accusations of Rigging Cloud The Block Finale After Underdogs Win Big
Controversy has erupted following the latest season finale of The Block, where contestants Maddy and Charlotte walked away with a massive $1.65 million in prize money. The two sisters joined the show as late replacements for Jesse and Paige, taking over the renovation of House 1. Despite facing bullying and exclusion from their co-stars, Maddy and Charlotte managed to secure the largest profit of the season, a feat that has since come under scrutiny due to allegations of interference from billionaire bidder Adrian Portelli.
Portelli, who purchased all five homes at the auction in what he called a “royal flush,” revealed the next morning on Nova that he orchestrated the auction order to ensure Maddy and Charlotte would go last, effectively boosting their chances of winning. “We hand-selected the auction order to make sure the girls went last so we could get them to win,” Portelli stated. He cited his admiration for the sisters’ resilience and his own desire to “play the game back” against other contestants who, he claimed, had used tactical gameplay against Maddy and Charlotte.
The billionaire’s admission has sparked accusations of favoritism and rigging, with critics questioning whether Portelli’s involvement compromised the integrity of the competition. His partner, reportedly a fan of the show, was also rooting for Maddy and Charlotte, further fueling suspicions of bias.
“The Block” producers have yet to comment on the controversy, while Portelli has defended his actions as a bid to support underdogs who were unfairly treated by other contestants. However, with the revelation of these behind-the-scenes maneuvers, fans and contestants alike are calling for a review of auction practices to maintain fair play in future seasons.
For now, Maddy and Charlotte’s victory remains overshadowed by the growing debate over the role of external influence in what is supposed to be a fair, competitive format.
