The Wrap
A “20/20”: investigation into “The Biggest Loser” was quashed after producers of the hit NBC reality show made it clear to past contestants that unapproved cooperation with the ABC newsmagazine could subject them to legal action.
The ABC broadcast made the decision to put its report on hold in mid-November — at least a week before the New York Times published its own examination of allegedly dangerous behavior by contestants on “Loser” on Nov. 25.
Producers at “20/20” had tentatively lined up at least three contestants they believed were willing to discuss their “Loser” experience on-camera, a person familiar with the investigation told TheWrap.
While “20/20” staffers were cautious and tried to keep their investigation quiet, executives at the show’s production companies (Reveille, 3 Ball Prods. and 25/7 Prods.) and NBC found out about it — and took action. More…