Imagine, if you will, a favorite children's TV show host. In her underwear.
In the case of Kellie Crawford, you don't have to imagine it. Because it happened. Crawford used to be part of the Australian children's television show and music group "Hi-5"; she was replaced by Lauren Brant. (I didn't know any of this, by the way, I just looked it up online.) There's also an American version, in case you were wondering. As far as I know, there are no photos of those performers in their undies.
So what's the fuss? According to News.com.au,
"Family groups say Crawford is sending a negative message to little
girls." (Presumably little boys just think she's hot? That topic was
unaddressed.)
In an interview, Ms. Crawford talks about how she "stripped to her smalls" in Ralph Magazine because she wanted people to see her as something other than a children's performer. As for young "Hi-5" fans seeing the photos, Crawford says that she wouldn't let her kids look at Ralph. (Magazine, that is. Nader, maybe. Well, he can be scary to young children. But I digress.)
This isn't a new phenomenon. Teletubbies star Pui Fan Lee (she played Po) is apparently naked on the British series "Metrosexuality". I guess you can't see her face in the costume. And let's not forget the terrible scandal that ensued when (NOT SAFE FOR WORK) this video of Woody from Toy Story saw the light of day.
OK, that last one was a parody. The Teletubbies thing is real, as far as I know.
The thing is, who cares? Are kids really going to see this magazine? If they do, that's their parents' fault for letting them. Right?
Would you be upset if Nitya Vidyasagar from Sesame Street were to do a photo spread in Maxim once her time on PBS is done? Personally, I think it's her business what she wants to do with her business. (Note: I have no idea what Ms. Vidyasagar's career plans are, I'm only using her as an example since she's currently on the air.)
So what do you think? Does it matter if kiddie performers do more "adult" work?
Image: HottiesInTheNews via Buzzfeed
See all of the photos of Kellie Crawford at Ralph Magazine's web site. They're not really safe for work.
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