It Only Took Dicko 14 Years To Apologise To Paulini For Body-Shaming Her On Australian Idol

“You should choose more appropriate clothes or shed some pounds” – it was those ten words that placed Australian Idol judge Ian ‘Dicko’ Dickson at the firing line of the viewing public.

These words were directed at season one’s Paulini after performing a number in the now infamous gold dress (it was sparkly and v cute). But as Paulini gets set for one of her biggest roles to date, playing the role of Rachel Marron in The Bodyguard musical, it looks like Dicko’s has had a change of heart.

In today’s context, his comments would not fly. Imagine if Seal told any contestant – let alone a female – on The Voice that they need to lose weight? It would be unacceptable and the all-powerful social media mob would demand an apology.

But finally after 14 bloody years, Dicko has acknowledged that his comments of Paulini’s body were uncool. Yesterday he appeared on the Hot91.1’s breakfast show with Dave, Sam & Ash, who played a prerecorded message by Dicko while interviewing Paulini.

“I cannot believe that it was 13 years ago that I said those 11 mundane words that sent the Australian media into meltdown,” Dicko said. (It was actually ten words fyi)

“I was trying to be nice at the time, can you believe, but I’m glad that you’ve gone on to do such great things.

“I’m a little jealous actually because at that time, those little cruel words that I said turned you and me into Australian reality TV’s power couple. Think of what we could have achieved together. In fact, right now you’re doing The Bodyguard. It should be me carrying you in my arms through the rain as that song plays. You in the gold dress for old times sake, me wearing a hernia support because I’m not getting any younger.”

It is important to note that Dicko didn’t say the words ‘I’m sorry’, ending his message to Paulini with, “what I want to say is, I’m so proud of you girl, you go get’em”.

Paulini seemed happy enough with his response, and on the verge of tears replied, “Oh my gosh, that’s really nice”.

Can Dicko apologise for My Restaurant Rules next, pls?