Reality TV star Angie Kent has come under fire for bringing up her ADHD diagnosis after copping a $204 parking fine in Melbourne.
Kent, 35, rose to fame appearing alongside former housemate Yvie Jones on Gogglebox Australia and later starred in the fifth season of The Bachelorette Australia.
The veteran reality star took to social media on Wednesday to share her frustration with Stonnington council in Melbourne’s inner east after receiving a fine for parking in a loading zone.
Kent, who pleaded guilty to drink driving back in October 2021, argued Melbourne’s street signage was confusing, especially for those suffering with Adult ADHD.
Adult ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that includes a combination of persistent problems, such as difficulty paying attention, hyperactivity and impulsive behaviour.
“They have so much writing on the signs … so you think you’re reading something and when you’ve got ADHD I read that and it literally looks like a different language, it’s just a lot going on,” Kent said.
The reality star’s comments were criticised by her social media followers, who accused Kent of “using ADHD” for everything.
“It’s not that hard,” one said.
“Stop using ADHD for everything,” another said.
“Don’t blame ADHD, that’s a cop out – if you can’t understand the sign don’t park there,” a third follower wrote.
Kent, who has publicly shared her journey with both ADHD and PMDD, a hormonal condition that triggers extreme mood swings, was quick to defend herself.
“It’s not an excuse but my reality,” she responded to one critic.
“I spent most of my life not knowing about ADHD, so I’ll keep talking about how difficult … it is.”
Other followers suggested Kent should consider taking public transport if she was unable to read road signs.
“Don’t drive a car if you struggle with road signs,” one follower said.
The reality star also received support from fans and fellow ADHD sufferers, who agreed parking signs were unnecessarily complicated.
“Signage in Australia is incredibly confusing,” one supporter wrote.
“I don’t have ADHD and I still struggle to figure it out.”