The Soul Beneath The Fat (13 October 2009)

Written by TVSA Team from the blog 3rd Degree on 13 Oct 2009
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On 3rd Degree tonight:

Episode Title: The Soul Beneath The Fat
Broadcast date: 13 October 2009

Gordon Hartley or Big G was South Africa’s heaviest man when he was introduced to viewers on 3rd Degree earlier this year. He weighed 350kg and his fat was literally killing him.

Despite efforts to get Big G fit and healthy in preparation for gastric bypass surgery, he couldn’t control his eating habits and he ballooned to a massive 440 kilograms. Eventually his body collapsed and he was rushed to ICU. A month later he passed away from chronic heart failure.

What really went on in the months leading to his death? In an exclusive interview, his girlfriend and ex-wife speak out about the man who controlled their every move, who got what he wanted through intimidation and punishment.

He ruled his bizarre family from his bed, deciding what they should wear and what they could spend. Despite his morbidly obese state, the family gave in to his every whim - even when he wanted a six-pack of beer, 36 vetkoek and 20 pastries.

3rd Degree is on e.tv on Tuesdays at 21h30.

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20 Comments

cleve
13 Oct 2009 10:57

Ag man, how did it get to this. It's seriuos disease. Clearly he lost the fight even before he tried

Pooky
13 Oct 2009 11:31

very sad hey...i can only imagine how it must feel to be in that kind of "situation".....shem may his soul rest in peace

Msoe
13 Oct 2009 11:35

I think Big G lost hope a long time ago. May his soul rest in peace.

cleve
13 Oct 2009 11:41

yes msoe, he didn't even try

lady gaga
13 Oct 2009 11:43

this scares me.................... i also think he lost hope a long time ago vele Msoe!

Cande
13 Oct 2009 11:46

LOL@ Big G controlling them from his bed.lmao!

TerryN
13 Oct 2009 12:18

He weighed 350kg and his fat was literally killing him.

haai bo!!! 36vetkoeks?

Cody
13 Oct 2009 12:26

OMW!! should i LOL or should i LOL! 36 vetkoeks?? this person wanted to kill himself mos?

TheLady
13 Oct 2009 12:47

How can yo be intimidated and controlled by someone who cannot even stand up?

Heartsbreaker
13 Oct 2009 12:52

How can one allow himself to arrive to this kind of a situation??? OMW the Big G!!! I wonder how his girlfriend was coping with him controlling her and the BOdy weight.....Oh if it was me, i would have given up long before he could even think of proporsing a marriage.....WoW R.I.P Big G.......You were indeed the Big G!! I wonder if the have found the coffin for him yet or they designed the special one.....OMG!!!! The Big G!

Ava
13 Oct 2009 13:05

How can yo be intimidated and controlled by someone who cannot even stand up?

@TL i was thinking the exact same thing you know.and wat could he possibly have done to "punish" in his "fixed" state.haibo!

ThatDude
14 Oct 2009 06:33

i think those two woman should be arrest,for culpable homicide,i get the feeling they want his insurance money

ThatDude
14 Oct 2009 06:34

i think those two woman should be arrested,for culpable homicide,i get the feeling they want his insurance money

Cody
14 Oct 2009 08:18

sho! who watched? that ex wife's boyfriend Dawid or something ke setlatla maan! i dont understand how he can allow himself to be controlled by his girlfriends ex husband. he is not a man at all, maybe o jele phehla. sho phehla truely does exist mos. lol hai.

Cody
14 Oct 2009 08:20

Thatdude you are right, they wanted to kill him for sure, how on earth can they feed him MacDonalds and chocolates?

blueroze
14 Oct 2009 08:24

i LMAO when i heard that he chose the clothes for them
that dude was crazy mal

Cody
14 Oct 2009 08:32

LOL Broze! he would tear up their jeans with holes....lol!! those people are not normal yazi! there is something missing.....

Mathaz
14 Oct 2009 08:38

He was too too controlling but i have to disagree with those who say he did not try, he did try but we all know that losing weight is more emotional and spirutual than physical. That lady from the Biggest Loser SA was his trainer so the guy did try to exercice and eat a healthy diet.

His ex-wife and her boyfriend had more to gain from their relationship with him coz he was the one who had the money and i think he owned businesses. The girlfriend is so beautiful and she remarked that she does not have regrets and the five years spent with him were the best years of her life. Oh yeah and she is still a vigin.

MS
14 Oct 2009 16:24

He did try but let face it it was a losing battle. how can you lose all that weight.

I blame his family for going through the abuse they didnt have to stay even if he had all the money couldnt they have got jobs they were fit and able. I think his girlfriend needs someone to control her, gee being a virgin at her age whats the problem?

mozzih
10 Jun 2011 15:04

Gordon was an amazing man, I knew him very well. How can you expect the poor man to want to live when his ex-wife was living is his house with her boyfriend .. they used him for what they could get .. I know this for a fact ! His favourite restaurant was Bosco in Sunninghill .. they loved to coax him into going there so that they could eat and drink to their hearts content at his expense .. they didnt care that he too was doing the same .. He contolled them .. please .. only because this way he gave them what they wanted .. he was a very generous man. R.I.P Gordon .. you will always live on in my heart !!!

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