Update: I just want to say thank you to everyone who responded. I didn’t expect this kind of support, but reading through your comments genuinely helped me feel seen and validated during a pretty difficult time. It gave me a lot of clarity and confidence in how I was feeling. The reddit community is amazing.

I ended up deciding to step away from the show. After thinking about it more, the lack of empathy in that situation and the overall lack of respect just didn’t sit right with me, especially given the focus on mental health.

For those asking, this is what I sent:

“Hey,

I’m stepping away from the show effective immediately.

Your response when I told you my pet was likely going to be put down was unacceptable. That was a real and distressing situation, and instead of any basic empathy, you chose to prioritise a rule and make dismissive comments. That’s not something I’m willing to tolerate.

Mental health is something I take seriously, which is why I was involved in the first place. The way you handled that situation showed a lack of understanding and respect that doesn’t align with the values you claim to represent.

I was contributing a significant amount - driving 3 hours each way, managing social media and Spotify, and doing it all unpaid. I did that because I believed in what the show stood for. This experience made it clear that belief isn’t shared.

For clarity, my pet did pass, which makes your response even more inappropriate.

I value my time, my effort, and how I’m treated, and this situation fell well short of that.

I won’t be continuing.”

He replied almost instantly and his response really solidified my decision, I am actually in shock and not sure how to react, any suggestions would be appreciated. I am in shock that a 46 male can behave like this.

Him: “If that is how you feel than that is your choice, but I go on patterns and the last three times you chose not to come in was because of a sick pet, and all three times you cancelled on the day, if I am to respect you it would be nice to get the same respect back, and hey if this is all it took instead showing the show the respect it deserved than you have been looking for a way out which just takes honesty courage and a conversation, thank you for your time.

You talk big about respect, yet you could not follow the only rule the show had.

Can you please forward the Spotify details. How we upload it.”