is understood that the show producers are not establishing these standards of desired beauty, but instead profiting from them, as well as perpetuating them. It is the further perpetuation of these difficult to achieve, and debatably unhealthy beauty standards that have given rise to the critical assessment of Extreme Makeover, as well as other shows like it. Deleese McGee lawsuit Extreme Makeover faced controversy after contestant Deleese McGee's makeover was canceled. McGee applied as a contestant on the show and both she and her family were interviewed for an episode in January 2004. When asked questions about Deleese, her family initially responded only with positive comments, though producers repeatedly encouraged them to say negative things about her appearance; the intention was to compare the negative comments to their reaction after Deleese's surgery was complete. Deleese was in the next room listening; her shock at hearing the comments was filmed as part of the intended episode. The night before the surgery, however, Deleese was informed the procedures had been canceled on the grounds that her estimated recovery time did not fit with the filming schedule. After the surgery was canceled Deleese's sister Kellie suffered from guilt for making the negative comments; she died from an intentional drug overdose in May 2004. Deleese sued for emotional damages; the case was settled out of court. The controversy is credited as a contributing factor in the show's cancellation. References External links American Broadcasting Company original programming 2000s American reality television series 2002 American television series debuts 2007 American television series endings Fashion-themed reality television series Makeover reality television series Television series about plastic surgery Television series by Disney–ABC Domestic Television English-language television shows