Reality TV show The Briefcase has been met with controversy and criticism since its Australian debut on June 20.
It’s been called ‘exploitative television’, ‘poverty porn’, and a ‘morally bankrupt concept’, and now, a couple who appeared on the show are terrified their family will come under attack for the decisions they made on national television.
Kevin Shanhun and his partner Honey Richmond appeared on the show on Monday night, sharing their story of how they sold their family home in 2003 after Kevin’s construction company went bankrupt.
The premise of The Briefcase is that two families, in this case the Shanhun’s and the Hockley’s, are given $100,000 each. After learning about the other family’s story, they make a decision as to how much of the $100,000 to give to the other family, and how much to keep for themselves. The twist is that neither family are aware of how the show works – they don’t know that the other family has also been given $100,000 and have the same decision to make. That’s where the ‘exploitation’ and ‘moral bankruptcy’ comes in. On Monday night’s episode, the Shanhun family gave the Hockley’s $25,000 of their $100,000. The Hockley’s, however, chose to give the Shanhun’s $50,000.
Walking away with $125,000, the Shanhun’s were automatically labelled as ‘selfish.’
But Honey is worried for her kids, 14-year-old Keely and 12-year old Alana, who may face criticism for what happened.
Speaking to TV Week, Honey said she's "worried that my children are going to cop it."
Ultimately she wants Australia to know that it was her, and not her high-school age daughters, who made the decision to keep three quarters of the money on The Briefcase.
"I made the majority of the decision," she said. "Kevin actually wanted to give more but I had to put my mother tiger hat on and I made the decision for my family."
"It was probably the only time in my life that I decided to be a little bit selfish but it was for my kids.
"So if there is criticism it will hopefully come my way. But I’m more just worried about the kids."
Top Comments
I can't believe people are taking such a judgemental stance on this show instead of learning about the true generosity of human spirit and indeed Australians. What a fantastic show..I was in tears and so proud to be an Aussie throughout all their decision making processes...lighten up and be happy for these battlers that now have access to funds they never had and learnt something about themselves in the process
I'm with Honey, charity begins at home and it's not like she didn't give the other family any money. Even though the other family were doing great charity work, that is their choice. Honey probably supports other charities which are close to her heart. I actually thought this show was really heart warming and a fascinating insight into how people would make these decisions.
"Charity begins at home" doesn't actually mean you should only be charitable towards people within your own home. It means that learning to be a charitable person is something that is TAUGHT within the home.
Ha ha, interesting I never thought of that saying in that sense but thanks for your insight. But I still think there is something to my interpretation eg it's wonderful to donate to international charities but I think we should do more for homeless people in our own country. And when your own family needs help you should put them first.