Network 10 is currently advertising applications for the 2027 series of Junior MasterChef Australia, while Endemol Shine Australia has confirmed that Meghan Markle will appear as a special guest.

Yet amid the latest international media storm surrounding Meghan Markle and her family, one very important issue appears to be getting forgotten: THE CHILDREN.

Meghan Markle continues to attract extraordinary international media attention, with ongoing family disputes, public controversies and intense scrutiny generating headlines and widespread discussion across social media.

Whatever people's opinions of Meghan Markle, the reality is that her involvement in almost any public event can generate international coverage extending well beyond the event itself.

So why should young Australian children potentially become caught up in the consequences of that publicity?

Our primary concern is the welfare, privacy and protection of the children participating in Junior MasterChef Australia. These children are entering the competition to showcase their culinary talents, creativity and passion for cooking, not to become associated with the intense international media attention surrounding Meghan Markle and her family. Their participation should remain focused on their achievements, with appropriate consideration given to any additional publicity arising from appearances alongside internationally prominent guests.

Given Meghan Markle's international profile, photographs and footage featuring young contestants alongside her can reasonably be expected to circulate internationally, potentially exposing them to unwanted publicity, online commentary, speculation and scrutiny entirely unrelated to their achievements.

With international media outlets, commentators and social media accounts closely following developments involving Meghan Markle, images of Australian children appearing alongside her can reasonably be expected to attract attention far beyond the programme's intended audience.

Once those images enter the international media landscape, neither the children nor their parents can fully control where they appear, how they are shared or how long they remain accessible.

NETWORK 10 IS NOW INVITING APPLICATIONS – BUT WHAT ARE PARENTS BEING TOLD?

Network 10's official casting page is inviting applications for Junior MasterChef Australia.

Parents considering this opportunity deserve to understand the potential implications of their children appearing alongside a celebrity currently attracting such intense international attention.

We ask Network 10 and Endemol Shine Australia:

1. Are parents being specifically informed that Meghan Markle is scheduled to appear as a special guest?
2. Are parents being advised that their children's images may attract international attention through association with Meghan Markle and the ongoing publicity surrounding her?
3. Have producers assessed the consequences of photographs and footage featuring young contestants alongside Meghan Markle circulating internationally, and what measures will be taken to protect the children from unwanted exposure?
4. What safeguards will protect contestants from unwanted publicity, online harassment, inappropriate commentary and the unauthorised circulation of their images?
5. Will parents have a meaningful opportunity to make an informed decision about their children's appearance alongside Meghan Markle?
6. What considerations informed the decision to invite Meghan Markle as a special guest, and how have producers assessed the potential impact of additional international media attention on participating children?

CHILDREN SHOULD NOT BE DRAWN INTO ADULT CONTROVERSIES

For the avoidance of doubt, Beyond Australia does not allege that Meghan Markle has engaged in criminal wrongdoing, enabled abuse or participated in unlawful conduct, nor does it allege that she poses a direct danger to children. This petition does not attribute responsibility to Meghan Markle for the alleged conduct of any family member. Our concerns relate solely to the potential implications of international media attention for the privacy, welfare and wellbeing of young Australian contestants.

Our concern is the potential for young Australian contestants to become the subject of additional international publicity unrelated to their participation in the competition. They should not have their names, faces or achievements drawn into international celebrity debates that have nothing whatsoever to do with cooking.

We ask Network 10 and Endemol Shine Australia to consider whether any additional international publicity associated with Meghan Markle's appearance could affect participating children, and whether appropriate safeguards are in place.

We therefore call upon both organisations to review the decision to involve Meghan Markle before filming commences, taking into account the potential implications for participating children, and to publicly explain the safeguards intended to protect their privacy and wellbeing.

Junior MasterChef Australia should be remembered for the extraordinary talents of its young contestants, not for the international controversies surrounding an invited celebrity.

PUT THE CHILDREN FIRST. PROTECT THEIR PRIVACY. KEEP JUNIOR MASTERCHEF AUSTRALIA ABOUT THE CHILDREN.

Beyond Australia
Media & Public Advocacy