'The Swan' surgeon speaks out on reality show, unaired nude photo shoot
A new documentary, 'The Swan: Behind the Mirror,' revisits the controversial 2004 reality show 'The Swan,' highlighting the physical and emotional trauma experienced by contestants. Former participants and surgeons discuss the show's extreme medical procedures and unethical production practices.
Why it matters
The story highlights the evolution of reality television ethics and the long-term impact of cosmetic surgery-focused media on participants.
Hear this story When "The Swan" premiered in 2004, it promised to turn its "ugly duckling" contestants into graceful "swans." But more than two decades later, former contestants are sharing a different account of their experiences on the controversial reality series.
As other early 2000s shows like ABC's "Extreme Makeover" advertised beauty transformations, "The Swan" unfurled a list of body modifications, dietary restrictions and an exhaustive cardio routine for its hand-selected ladies.
Creator Nely Galán recruited experts in physical and mental health along with plastic surgeons Dr. Randal Haworth and Dr. Terry Dubrow for the task. Following the two-season series, Haworth says the women were "very, very happy" with the results.
More than 20 years later, Hulu's "The Swan: Behind the Mirror" is painting a different story.
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