![\"Zara](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/1757785568_575_1_531410TITLEThailand-the-Dark-Side-of-Paradise.jpg\")
Zara McDermott has come under fire for her ‘one-sided’ portrayal of Thailand in BBC documentary(Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC\/South Shore)<\/p>\nDocumentary maker Zara McDermott has come under fire by BBC viewers who claim that her portrayal of Thailand was ‘disappointing’ and ‘ignorant’.Zara McDermott has come under fire for her ‘one-sided’ portrayal of Thailand in BBC documentary(Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC\/South Shore)<\/p>\n
Zara McDermott<\/a> has come under attack following her “one-sided” portrayal of Thailand in her latest documentary Thailand: The Dark Side of Paradise. The former Strictly Come Dancing<\/a> star, 28, filmed her three-part docuseries in the southeast Asian country in the hope of showing viewers what really goes on in the party islands of the country.<\/p>\n However, viewers of the BBC<\/a> documentary have hit back with gusto, claiming that the TV personality failed to show a balanced view of the country, which relies heavily on tourism.<\/p>\n The trailer, which can be viewed on BBC<\/a> iPlayer<\/a>, shows Zara visiting cities, including Bangkok. In one part of the trailer, she is seen drinking from a bottle at one of Thailand’s “hedonistic parties” and speaking to someone who describes the country as “Benidorm on steroids.”<\/p>\n The man claimed that Thailand was “cheap, cheerful and full of women.” The trailer also shows the moment when one of the film crew were nearly arrested for filming in a red light district in Bangkok.<\/p>\n However, one seasoned traveller was left angry and bemused by the docuseries. The viewer described it as “one-sided and sensationalised.”<\/p>\n They wrote: “Having lived and worked in Thailand and travelled extensively across the country as a young single woman, I can confidently say that this is an unfair and skewed portrayal of a beautiful nation and its kind, welcoming people.” And this comment was liked by many.<\/p>\n Another wrote: “Thailand, a country heavily reliant on tourism, deserves more responsible and balanced reporting.” A third person said: “Her documentary on Thailand felt poorly handled. As an Asian viewer, I was repulsed by how judgmental and patronising it is.”<\/p>\n Meanwhile a fourth described it as an “ignorant portrayal of an entire country.” And a fifth chimed in saying: “narrow and negative perspective on the country.”<\/p>\n They went on to say: “Amazing people, completely safe and the most interesting place I\u2019ve ever been. Feels like a reach for views. Explore the whole country please.”<\/p>\n But this is not the first time Zara has been the subject of backlash. Back in March this year, resurfaced footage emerged from a BBC debate revealing her views on immigration.<\/p>\n Her views were found by One Direction<\/a> fans after she went public with her romance with the 1D singer Louis Tomlinson. The fans found a video from a 2028 BBC debate where Zara, who claims to be pro-Brexit, was seen in discussion with Magid Magid, who was the mayor of Sheffield at the time.<\/p>\n The debate was on Brexit<\/a> and immigration. In the footage, Zara described herself as “conservative.” She went on to say: “For me it’s less about immigration and more about the fact that people can\u2019t keep, almost, coming and taking advantage of things like the NHS<\/a> and the health system and then leaving because it\u2019s unfair.”<\/p>\n One fan who was left fuming over her views, wrote: “Louis, if you’re gonna stunt…maybe do it with someone who actually aligns with your values. (Unless this DOES align with his values. And in that case there are bigger problems imo)”.<\/p>\n Another person said: “This girl still seems pretty clueless she didn’t even know what a people’s vote was.” Meanwhile a third person added: “The fact she was a civil servant is so worrying, considering how misinformed she is.”<\/p>\n READ MORE: Laura Whitmore looks \u2018phenomenal\u2019 in power suit as true crime documentary drops<\/a><\/p>\n Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok<\/a>, Snapchat<\/a>, Instagram<\/a>, Twitter<\/a>, Facebook<\/a>, YouTube<\/a> and Threads<\/a>.<\/p>\n![\"Zara](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/0_531404TITLEThailand-the-Dark-Side-of-Paradise.jpg\")
Zara McDermott has come under fire for her ‘one-sided’ portrayal of Thailand in BBC documentary(Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC\/South Shore)<\/p>\n![\"Zara](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/1757785568_57_0_531406TITLEThailand-the-Dark-Side-of-Paradise.jpg\")
Zara McDermott aims to show the dark side of the party lifestyle in Thailand(Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC\/South Shore)<\/p>\n