Beauty and the Geek star forced to deny 'upsetting' false murder rumour
A former contestant on Australian reality TV show Beauty and the Geek has had to clear up rumours that she was involved in a murder.
On Thursday, a man's body was discovered at a property in the city of Port Lincoln after police and emergency services were called at around 3.25pm following reports of a small fire.
A 34-year-old woman – who is believed to have known the man – was arrested at the scene and has been charged with murder, South Australia Police stated in a press release.
Following the report, reality TV star Kiera Johnstone, 26, posted a lengthy statement on social media stressing that she was not the woman who was arrested.
It had previously been reported in publications including Daily Mail Australia that the woman charged with murder is a former star of Beauty and the Geek.
Johnstone, who won the show in 2021, wrote on her Instagram Stories: 'Hi everyone. A former contestant from Beauty and the Geek has been charged with a very serious crime.
'Although no names have been released, for reasons beyond my understanding, there has been speculation online suggesting that I am involved.'
She said she wanted to be 'absolutely clear' that she was 'not involved in any way' and has not been charged with a crime.
'I have literally never even had a parking fine. The allegations being discussed have nothing to do with me, and the fact that I even need to say this is incredibly upsetting,' she continued.
'It's deeply disturbing to see people spreading false information, making assumptions and sharing screenshots.
Johnstone said that she 'understands the internet can be quick to judge' but the online speculation had been 'damaging and invasive.'
'If you are part of the group fuelling this – sharing, gossiping or silently watching – I ask you to please stop,' she urged.
'This is not entertainment. This is a serious situation that involves real victims. you're literally sick if you think this is at all funny. More Trending
'As this has nothing to do with me, this will be the only time I speak on the matter.
'Thank you to those who reached out with kindness and common sense.'
In the department's press release, South Australia Police outlined: 'Police believe both the man and woman are known to each other and there are no community safety concerns.'
The woman has been refused bail and remains in custody. It has been reported that the man's cause of death has not yet been determined.
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