'Let me be absolutely clear': Beauty and the Geek star forced to deny involvement in shocking murder case as identity of the alleged offender is suppressed
Former Beauty and the Geek winner Kiera Johnstone has been forced to publicly deny involvement in a shocking murder case after rampant speculation linked her to the crime.
The 26-year-old reality TV contestant, who won the 2021 series alongside her match Lachlan Mansell, took to social media on Sunday to clarify that she had not been arrested or charged, and was not involved "in any way".
Johnstone's statement comes after a 34-year-old woman, reportedly a former Beauty and the Geek contestant, was charged with murder when the body of a man was discovered in a Port Lincoln home last Thursday.
That legal restriction has allegedly fueled online speculation, some of which Johnstone now claims has implicated her.
In a lengthy message posted to her Instagram Stories, the reality TV star hit back at the rumours and urged people to "stop spreading misinformation".
"Hi everyone," her statement began.
"A former contestant from Beauty and the Geek has been charged with a very serious crime.
"Although no names have been released, for reasons beyond my understanding, there has been speculation online suggesting that I am involved."
Jonstone continued: "Let me be absolutely clear: I am not involved in any way. I have not been charged with a crime. I have literally never even had a parking fine."
"The allegations being discussed have nothing to do with me, and the fact that I even need to say this is incredibly upsetting."
Johnstone, who now runs a jewellery boutique in Melbourne and formerly worked as a public servant with the Victorian Government, said it was "deeply disturbing" to see people "spreading false information, making assumptions and sharing screenshots".
"I understand the internet can be quick to judge, but this kind of speculation is damaging and invasive and is something I take very seriously," she continued.
She ended the statement to her nearly 15,000 followers by saying: "As this has nothing to do with me, this will be the only time I speak on the matter."
While Johnstone and her on-screen partner Lachlan 'Lachy the Geek' Mansell have remained close since sharing the show's $100,000 prize four years ago, he has not commented publicly on the situation.
It's understood the woman charged faced court via video link from Port Lincoln Hospital on Friday under police guard.
She is currently being held under a mental health order and is expected to reappear in court in December.
At a press conference the same day, South Australia Police Assistant Commissioner Ian Parrott confirmed it was not yet known how long the man had been dead before his body was discovered.
He declined to comment on the nature of the man's injuries but said the incident was not random.
"We understand that the female who has been arrested and the deceased male both lived at this address," he said.
Neighbours said they were stunned by the incident, describing the woman as "really nice".
One resident said he attempted to put the fire out, but the house was "too smoky".
It's understood the couple had only recently moved in together.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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