A couple who won a $4.2 million mansion have been slammed online after they appeared to be "ungrateful" after winning such an amazing prize.
Kevin and Andrea Griffin, who hail from Australia, received the multimillion-dollar Gisborne residence, located 33 miles northwest of Melbourne, after it was featured on the reality TV show, The Block.
The home was originally purchased by Melbourne businessman Adrian Portelli in November of the previous year after it failed to sell at auction. He subsequently decided to raffle it off as a prize through his business, LMCT+.
The Griffins, who had been LMCT+ members for just over a year, described the prize as "life-changing," according to the Herald Sun.
However, the situation has soured significantly, with the couple accusing Portelli of removing over $100,000 worth of items from the home before handing it over to them.
To address the controversy, Portelli released a video that showcased the Griffin's peculiar reaction when first shown the property.
Watch the bizarre clip below:In the video, Griffin inquired about the heating in the house, and when told it was uncertain, responded: "It would want to be."
Additionally, he noted the absence of a wine fridge and suggested selling some lamps on eBay. He was also critical of the property's construction, stating that "someone is in for a hell of a lot of trouble."
Portelli claimed that he initially edited out even more negative reactions to present a more grateful picture in the final video. He emphasized the magnitude of the $4.3 million prize and the importance of a positive recipient's attitude.
The video also featured Gold Coast influencer Troy 'Candy' Williams, who expressed the belief that many more deserving individuals would have appreciated such a prize.
This controversy stems from the Griffins' allegations that Portelli removed items from the home before handing it over to them.
Surveillance footage taken prior to the property transfer showed Portelli and a group of men removing items, including wine, kitchen appliances, a toolbox, a meat smoker, and a treadmill.
The Griffins expressed shock upon discovering the footage, stating that if they had known about the items' removal, they would have chosen the $3 million cash alternative prize.
Portelli countered that the items removed were not part of the giveaway's terms and conditions. While the home was fully furnished with furniture worth hundreds of thousands of dollars, he argued that the missing items were not included in the official rules.
Portelli revealed a "final twist" in the saga: he would offer all the removed items for a $1 giveaway. This move, he claimed, was intended to ensure that the items went to someone deserving and grateful. The entire proceeds from this giveaway would be donated to Australians affected by homelessness.
