At this point, it’s probably no secret anymore that TLC would do anything for ratings. “Toddlers & Tiaras” is probably one of its most controversial and popular shows ever – but it still manages to offer unpleasant surprises by the day.

The latest refers to one of the mothers (Lisa) putting a fake cigarette into the hand of her 4-year-old, kiddie beauty pageant contestant daughter Destiny.

You can imagine the outrage.

Video of the segment is below.

The reality show has made headlines several times in the past thanks to the choices some mothers make for their daughters’ stage outfits. Lisa, for one, opted to dress Destiny up as “Sandy” from the hit musical “Grease.”

Wanting her daughter to stay true to the character she was playing, Lisa also thought it would be a good idea if she fake smoked in front of the judges and, thanks to TLC, the entire world.

She justifies her decision by saying it’s not a real cigarette, hence there’s no harm in using it. Moreover, if Destiny wants to be an actress (which we’re assuming she – or her mother – wants), she’d better get used to playing the part all the way.

“Sandy comes out and throws down a cigarette so Destiny's going to do that. We feel like that's a part of acting and it's part of the routine so we've added it in there and I believe she will do just fine with it,” Lisa says.

As she lifts her 4-year-old daughter on the stage for her “performance,” Lisa whispers in her ear, “Don’t forget to smoke.”

“You know, Sandy was a good girl, she didn't smoke either but she used it for image,” Lisa further defends her decision for the cameras.

One of the judges and several members of the audience were none too impressed about the prop, fake as it was. Even so, Destiny still took home the prize for “Personality Supreme.”