SBS has been forced to pull series Once Upon a Time in Punchbowl after revelations one of its star interviewees has fabricated much of his personal story.
It has been revealed that Michael LaHoud, who has featured prominently in the publicity campaign for the show, lied about a number of things, from the time served in prison to the number of children he has fathered.
This morning SBS released a statement to the media confirming the show would be removed as a result of LaHoud.
“Michael LaHoud is one of a number of interviewees that feature in the documentary series Once Upon a Time in Punchbowl, which explores the history of the Lebanese-Australian community in Sydney’s south-west, the challenges the community has faced and how they have fought to overcome them,” the statement reads.
“The integrity and accuracy of SBS programming and respect for our audience is paramount, therefore the network has decided to remove the series from its schedule until full investigations are carried out to its satisfaction.
“SBS will work with its production partner Northern Pictures to review and verify the documentary’s material.”
The series, which was to be a follow-up to the hugely successful Once Upon a Time in Cabramatta, will air later in 2014.