Shaynna Blaze is speaking out about online abuse directed at her on social media. The Block judge, a fixture on the Australian renovation series since 2012, posted a moving video on Instagram on Thursday to address what she described as “appalling, disgusting comments.”
"I'm not talking negativity, I'm talking really appalling, disgusting comments," the 62-year-old said. "A few people have reached out and asked me, 'How do I cope with this?' It's not about coping, it's about how it's addressed." Blaze said some messages were hurtful, but she believes the words reflect the sender more than the recipient: "these comments are coming from somebody's mind and heart. They have to see that comment before they push send. So that is coming from them, and for me, that sits on their screen; it doesn't come back to me." She added that the negativity does not define her and that she is grateful for the positive online support: "I am beyond grateful for the people that follow me," she said, "and for those that aren't enjoying it, I hope you move on and reflect on how that's affecting you, because it's not affecting me."
The post comes as tensions swirl behind the scenes on The Block after host Scott Cam's reported $2.4 million salary was disclosed last month. An insider told Woman's Day that Blaze and fellow judges Marty Fox and Darren Palmer are not earning anything close to Cam's level. The publication notes Blaze's annual take is estimated at roughly $60,000 to $90,000 per season since she joined in 2012 on a casual day rate; Darren Palmer, 46, reportedly earns between $50,000 and $60,000 per season since becoming a permanent judge in 2013; Marty Fox, 36, was said to have offered to appear "for free" but was told the appearance was worth about $250,000 to his Whitefox property business. Daily Mail has reached out to Channel Nine for comment.
The reported pay gap underscores a broader online dynamic in which the Block’s long-running panelists are frequently slammed by fans, even as their expertise and star power help drive the show. The Block remains a centerpiece of Nine’s Culture & Entertainment lineup, drawing attention to both the competition and the personalities who shape its public image as negotiations over salaries and roles continue to unfold.