MasterChef judge Melissa Leong reveals how she deals with ‘detractors’ and cruel trolls

She started her new role as a judge on MasterChef Australia last month, alongside Andy Allen and Jock Zonfrillo. 

And now Melissa Leong has spoken candidly about life in the public eye.

Speaking on the Shameless podcast this week, the 38-year-old revealed how she deals with ‘detractors’ and cruel trolls, admitting that it can be ‘disappointing’ and comments can ‘sting.’  

But Melissa said that she tries her best to ‘brush off’ any negativity.  

While saying that she doesn’t feel any ‘pressure’ with her job, she said that people love to scrutinise others, and women in particular.    

‘With that comes a great army of wonderful humans who support you,’ Melissa said. 

‘And you have detractors, you have rather disappointingly women’s tabloid magazines who want to look for a salacious angle to sell their publications with and peddling lies and dragging women down.’

‘It’s so utterly disappointing to me because I don’t believe in it… why would we do that to ourselves.’

Melissa went on to talk about trolls, admitting that comments can ‘sting.’ 

‘It does sting, but I’m able to brush it off because I know it has a lot more to do with what’s going on with that person and their lives and their lens, than it really does have to do with who I am,’ Melissa said. 

She added: ‘I’m not perfect… the imperfection is powerful.’

She went on to talk about working on MasterChef and said that working with the cast and crew is a wonderful experience. 

She said that they work in a ‘nurturing environment.’ 

Earlier this month meanwhile, Melissa also spoke about how she deals with negative criticism online and said that it’s important to remember that no-one is ‘universally’ loved. 

The food critic – who has admitted she has clinical depression – said that she tries to be the best version of herself at all times. 

She told TV Week at the time: ‘When you can accept that, you can just focus on being the best version of yourself.’ 

She went on explain that her approach to dealing with publicity was just to focus on herself.

‘My strategy for being in this very public space is just to focus on what I do well,’ she said. ‘Be grateful for the positive aspects of what happens and just own who I am.’

Melissa went on to say that despite her confidence, she has trouble being ‘comfortable’ in her own skin. 

MasterChef Australia continues at 7:30pm on Thursday, on Channel 10.