4-Year-Old Pageant Contestant's Sexualized Outfit Stirs Outrage

The U.S. pageant show "Toddlers and Tiaras" has caused outrage by letting a 4-year-old girl with visible fake breasts and a padded bottom participate.

The new season sees Maddy Jackson dressed up as Dolly Parton, complete with the country's singer's famous "enhancements."

Critics branded the bizarre spectacle "disgusting" and "disturbing," reported the Daily Record.

Maddy is seen clutching fake C-cup breasts upon her chest and later wearing bottom implants.

Critics say shows like "Toddlers and Tiaras" encourage young children to mimic such inappropriate behaviour.

Maddy's mum Lindsay defended her daughter's costume, insisting it was "normal" said the Daily Record.

Elder Jackson, who entered Maddy in her first pageant when she was nine months old, defended the enhancements, telling viewers of the "Today" show: "To some people it's over the top, to us it's just what happens. It's just normal. When she wears the fake boobs and the fake butt, it's just like an extra bonus."

Before the pageant Maddy's mother Lindsay, herself a former child beauty queen, said the Dolly Parton costume was always a hit.

Maddy's stylist said on the programme: "I wasn't a big fan of the outfit with the boobs. She's very young, but hopefully the judges will perceive it in good taste."

Maddy was asked on camera: "Do you like the boobies in your outfit?" She said she did.

The programme later showed Maddy on stage, wearing a tight pink lycra catsuit and peroxide blonde wig, wiggling her false bottom with her hands on her hips to impress the judges.

The judges seemed pleased. One member of the judging panel said she and her colleagues thought Maddy's outfit was cute, the woman added: "She put a little stuffing in and looked the part," according to the Daily Record.

After Maddy's appearance campaigners have set up a Facebook group demanding that "Toddlers and Tiaras" be taken off the air.