Adrian Portelli has spoken out about The Block auctions and insists it wasn’t “rigged”. The billionaire bought all five properties at auction, choosing to pay the most for Maddy and Charlotte Harry’s house because he wanted them to win. You can see how people reckon it’s all a bit of a sham.
ICYMI, Portelli spent $15 million on his lavish purchase, buying Maddy and Charlotte’s house for a cool $3.5 million. This gave the gals a profit of $1.55 million plus $100K in prize money — not bad for their short time spent renovating the house.
Taking to his Instagram Story, he said he was “sick” of talking about The Block but there was one thing he wanted to clear up.
“I’ve never once said The Block was rigged, those words never came out of my mouth at all. I think the media is getting confused because yes, The Block is a TV series, however, once it gets to an auction, it’s a public auction,” he told his followers.
“And anyone from all over Australia can come and bid on these auctions. It’s no longer in the hands of producers, the network or the contestants, whatever happens, happens. If I want to bid $100 million on a property that’s worth $2 million, I’m allowed to.
“I’m allowed to do whatever the freaking hell I want, it’s a public auction. So suck it up and stop having a sook.”
He told followers that if they weren’t happy with the result, they could go and make millions and bid on the houses themselves.
“It was my decision. I made the girls win, they were the best house, they were the best contestants and that’s a wrap,” he declared.
Over on Reddit, the responses to Portelli’s auction move were mixed. While some were outraged by him ultimately deciding who won the show, others pointed out that it was perfectly by the book.
“Auctions are won by the person with the most money. Adrian had more money than any of the other bidders,” one person pointed out.
“I am glad he came over and bought the houses, at least everyone made decent money. I doubt anyone would have made more than $100 to $300K if it wasn’t for him,” another added.
“He is paying legitimate money and other people had the right to outbid him. Not rigged, it might leave a bad taste in the mouth but it’s legal,” a third wrote.
The flashy bidder has since revealed his plans for the five houses, putting them into a giveaway for his rewards club LMCT+. Customers can either win the entire resort, or opt to take $8 million cash tax-free.
Meanwhile, I’m living in a house that leaks every time it rains. Anyone know how I can get the giveway ‘rigged’? Asking for a friend…
Lead image: Nine & Instagram @adrian_portelli
