Ava Ganz has accused Netflix editors of presenting her as a dependent “little brat” during her appearance on Wonka’s The Golden Ticket, saying the programme failed to reflect her work and independence.
Ganz, who competed alongside her father Jeff, was eliminated in the sixth episode during the “WonkaVator” challenge. After the episode aired, she posted an emotional video on TikTok criticising the way she had been portrayed.
The reality competition brings 12 Golden Ticket winners and their partners into a recreation of Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory, where they face physical, mental and moral challenges. The eventual winner is promised $3 million, paid over 30 years.
Ganz said she was particularly upset by an on-screen caption describing her as an “influencer”. She said she had no objection to the profession but was proud of running her own creative production business.
“I’m so let down by my edit, and I’m trying to not take it seriously, but I do think it’s serious,” she said.
Ganz claimed the programme reduced her to someone who relied on her father, despite being financially independent and living in her own apartment in New York City. She said she had worked with brands including Google and Meta during the holiday season.
“To be belittled down to someone who just relies on daddy for everything when that is so far from the truth, is so insane,” she said.
She also said she had been working since she was legally able to do so, while stressing that her parents had supported her and provided her with a good education.
Ganz said she had hoped viewers would see her as an example to younger girls after she remained in the “Whirl Power” challenge until the end, despite competing against male contestants.
“I was so excited to see my edit, maybe inspire other younger girls with throwing up and staying on the spinning challenge,” she said. “To be so demeaned and belittled in a moment where I actually did something sick is so lame.”
She further criticised the way footage of her discussing matcha, hot yoga and fashion was edited, arguing that her interests had been used to suggest she lacked depth.
“Being a girl and loving being a girl and loving feminine things does not make any woman any less educated, serious, or ambitious,” Ganz said.
The final six contestants are due to compete in the finale, which is scheduled to be released on September 30.
