I hate to say this about Brittany Hockley, but the toxic talk about her marriage didn’t come from nowhere. I can’t be the only one thinking it: AMANDA GOFF

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God, people are stickybeaks, aren’t they?

As soon as you become even slightly known publicly, people seem to think they have a right to know all the details of your life. It’s as if you’re an exhibit to be observed, instead of a person with private thoughts and emotions.

I realize it’s a bit ironic, but as a columnist, I’m supposed to be up-to-date on things. Still, people online always seem eager to point out what I’ve missed.

This week, I’m writing about Brittany Hockley Siegrist, who you might know from The Bachelor and now hosts the Life Uncut podcast – and I have a feeling she’ll agree with what I have to say!

To be clear, I have nothing against Brittany. She’s always been very kind in our private messages – she’s a lovely person.

I first noticed Britt in 2022 when Abbie Chatfield publicly criticized her. Abbie claimed Brittany had shamed her during a guest appearance on the Kyle and Jackie O Show while filling in for Jackie.

Brittany didn’t do anything wrong, but Abbie saw an opportunity to create drama online and immediately attacked. (I doubt Abbie has learned from the experience, even after being sued for defamation and losing.) I previously stated my support for Brittany, and I still feel the same way.

Just to be clear, I don’t expect this piece to cause anyone to create a long, angry video response – unlike some of my previous work. Hello, Constance Hall!

It was rough for Britt over the Easter weekend, honestly. While everyone else was enjoying chocolate, she was stuck having to defend her marriage online – people were really questioning how it works with the distance between them.

Britt currently lives in Sydney, while her husband, Ben Siegrist, plays soccer for Genoa in Italy.

It’s strange, but people who follow Britt – or at least claim to – are upset about it.

I was really surprised to see some tough questions for Britt during her Instagram Q&A! People were directly asking why she wasn’t living with Ben yet, especially since she announced last year she was moving to Italy for good to be with him. It seemed like a lot of followers wanted to know what was taking so long!

One ‘fan’ asked: ‘Why did you say you were moving to Italy when you’re not?’

Britt explained she decided to stay in Sydney because she received an amazing opportunity to host the Married at First Sight after-show on Stan. She jokingly added that it’s apparently unacceptable for a woman to change her plans, particularly when presented with such a good job offer.

It’s great that Brittany didn’t let the criticism get to her. She responded to the comments with humor and grace, explaining to her many followers that being long-distance actually helps keep her relationship with Ben exciting.

She explained that she feels she and her husband actually have a stronger connection than they would if they lived together, thanks to their lengthy daily conversations.

To be honest, I know a lot of married women who hardly talk to their husbands when they’re at home together. But that’s beside the point. Let’s just be clear: despite what some people online are saying, this marriage is definitely not ending. The couple is happy, and there’s no trouble in paradise.

Britt was right to describe the questions she got as accusatory. They didn’t seem like genuine concern from a fan, but rather like someone pretending to be a friend, trying to find gossip to share with others.

Every group of female friends has that one person, and you can assume there are hundreds like her for every thousand followers someone has online.

I’ve always believed that living with someone – especially sharing a bathroom – can damage an otherwise healthy relationship. In fact, the Siegrists’ marriage sounds wonderfully strong! A few months in Sydney, then weeks in Italy with a handsome soccer player… it sounds like a dream. I’m officially jealous and wondering how they make it look so easy.

However, even when I like a celebrity, it makes me wonder – is Brittany really upset about those tricky questions?

Yes, she can be irritating, impolite, and unpleasant. However, she’s a public figure, and her podcast, ‘Life Uncut,’ is meant to be completely honest and reveal everything without holding back.

She announced she was going to Italy, but then stayed home without giving her fans any explanation. When a fan, admittedly in a rude way, asked about it, Britt became defensive and upset.

It must be difficult dealing with fans who are overly invested and don’t understand your relationship, but the truth is, Britt has always dreamed of fame – she even had a demo reel prepared before appearing on The Bachelor! It’s just part of being in the public eye.

People in the public spotlight who share personal details with the media should expect to face tough questions. It’s a natural part of being in the news and attracting attention – and often, generating income for those media outlets.

Basically, you give it out and take it back.

Look, I don’t think just because someone’s famous means they deserve tough questions, or that those questions are always reasonable. We definitely still have that ‘tall poppy syndrome’ here in Australia – always trying to cut down anyone who stands out. But honestly, if you’re in the public eye, you’ve gotta be prepared to take the heat, even if it’s unfair. It just comes with the territory, I guess.

You’ll earn money, gain recognition, and get to make a living by speaking – a much better alternative to commuting and working a typical job.

I’m not famous, but I used to work as a high-class escort under the name Samantha X, and I’ve shared my story openly in three published memoirs.

Being honest is liberating, but it can become complicated if you later want to change your mind about something you’ve already said or decided publicly.

Case in point: years ago, I retired from being Samantha because I found love.

I announced I was quitting my job, but then my relationship quickly fell apart. I was incredibly embarrassed and had to return to work feeling defeated.

It was really upsetting and humiliating, but I felt I had to come clean. First, my personal brand is built on being truthful, and second, I figured it was only a matter of time before someone exposed it anyway.

Looking back, that whole experience really taught me a valuable lesson. I often find myself wishing I’d just kept quiet sometimes! It sounds strange, but even my therapist gently suggested I needed to get better at… well, at not always being completely honest. She basically told me learning to ‘lie’ strategically could actually be helpful.

Basically, when I publicly shared my plans and then changed direction, it attracted negativity and backhanded questions, much like what Brittany is experiencing now. It was unpleasant, but I understood it, because I had opened myself up to those reactions.

That’s what happens when you make your life your brand.

I actually retired a couple of times, and even if I tried to return to my old job, it wouldn’t work – everyone would immediately realize I was back.

Before you think I don’t care, I truly felt sorry for Britt. She had to spend her weekend explaining her perfectly happy, but unconventional, marriage to people online who were pretending to be worried about her.

But I wasn’t surprised. Not at all.

Britt often talks about the challenges of being married long-distance. She recently shared that, after six months of marriage since June, she’s only spent about ten days with her husband. She mentioned this in December, highlighting how little time they’ve had together.

‘This can’t work anymore.’

Let me tell you, as someone who’s built a life around planning and sharing it, big, bold statements sound amazing – perfect for grabbing attention! But honestly? They can really come back to haunt you. When life inevitably throws you a curveball and things don’t go as planned, you end up having to do a lot of explaining – and dealing with a lot of negativity. I’ve learned it’s often better to be a little more flexible and avoid overpromising.

Britt’s difficult weekend shows us that some personal things are best kept private, even if you generally share everything with the public.

 

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2026-04-09 16:56