By 3 News online staff
Mediaworks has responded to reports of a man convicted for his role in the killing of a teen in 2004 becoming a hit on The X Factor NZ and making it to boot camp.
Shae Brider's reggae version of Eminem hit 'The Real Slim Shady' went down a treat with the show's judges. Natalia Kills went so far as to say it made her like reggae music, having previously hated it.
Brider was aged 19 at the time Jeremy Frew was stabbed to death at a Guy Fawkes party in Wanganui.
Prosecutors stated Brider was one of four youths who embarked on a "rampage of violence" that involved roaming around looking for people to assault.
Of the perpetrators, one was convicted of murder, Brider and another of manslaughter and the fourth acquitted of manslaughter. The group was also convicted of other violent crimes committed during two separate incidents in the evening.
"Shae Brider disclosed his criminal record when he entered The X Factor NZ and as a standard part of the process a police check was run," says a spokesperson for Mediaworks TV.
"It was important to include this part of Shae’s background in last night’s episode, and as is the case with all contestants, this was done in his own words. The X Factor NZ acknowledges the impact Shae's past actions have had on his victims, and apologises for any distress that has been caused by last night's episode. That was not our intention. However it is important to note the NZ justice system judges Shae has paid his debt to society, and now has a second chance to make a positive contribution."
In The X Factor NZ, Brider downplayed his role in the incident, but admitted serving six years in prison.
3 News
source: newshub archive
