‘It’s not the kind of publicity they want’: Claims Firass Dirani’s fiery antics away from SAS Australia are ‘frustrating’ Seven bosses… as he now refuses to ‘feed the circus’ and talk to the press despite media commitments
His wild comments and theory of being painted as ‘the villain’ on SAS Australia have caused him to hit headlines for weeks.
But it appears Firass Dirani’s antics aren’t sitting too well with big wigs at Channel Seven – as reports claim the ongoing media spotlight on the outspoken actor ‘isn’t the kind of publicity’ the network are aiming for.
‘He likes to go off-script but they’re not crazy about how that is reflecting on the show,’ an insider told the Daily Telegraph.
Not happy: Firass Dirani’s (pictured) antics reportedly aren’t sitting too well with big wigs at Channel Seven – as reports claim the publicity isn’t quite what the network are aiming for
‘It’s not really the kind of publicity they want (at Seven).’
The publication claims that Firass, 36, is no longer willing to discuss his role on the show with media outlets – despite it being a commitment as part of the show.
‘As hilarious as this circus is I just don’t want to feed it any more,’ he told them via a direct message.
‘If I want to say something I will say it here, on my Instagram.’
Daily Mail Australia have contacted Channel Seven for comment.
Not holding back: Firass has hit headlines numerous times over the past few weeks, after he made some fiery comments about his co-stars to media outlets
Firass has hit headlines numerous times over the past few weeks, after he made some fiery comments about his co-stars to media outlets.
On Wednesday, Firass claimed to Daily Mail Australia that his co-star Shannan Ponton is a ‘redneck’ and a ‘culture vulture’ for having Maori tattoos, after The Biggest Loser trainer labelled him a ‘sociopath’ over his behaviour on the show.
And on Friday morning, the Underbelly actor was seen blasting another co-star, Merrick Watts, during an explosive live interview on The Kyle and Jackie O show – where he accused the comedian of ‘trying to baby’ him during filming.
His antics even caused Channel 10 executive Rob Knight to write an opinion piece on him, saying he was ‘unemployable’ and claiming his actions on and off the show have ‘killed his TV career’.
Fed up: Merrick Watts (pictured) appeared on Nova’s Fitzy and Wippa on Wednesday and promised more spats with Firass in the coming episodes
‘His antics on social media and in interviews has only provided further evidence that he is not a victim of the ‘villain edit’, but is simply facing the consequences of his own actions,’ he said of the Logie Award winning actor.
‘Dirani is now a liability,’ he wrote. ‘Will viewers avoid his next project because they don’t like the man?
‘If he has shown this type of behaviour off-screen during his previous projects producers will use his most recent appearance as an excuse not to hire him.’
SAS Australia continues Monday from 7:30pm on Channel Seven
The adventure continues: SAS Australia continues Monday from 7:30pm on Channel Seven