Big Bro Contestant Booted Off For Racist Comment
Channel 4’s Big Brother has sensationally kicked contestant Emily Parr out of the house today after she aimed a racially offensive word at a fellow housemate.
Parr was dancing with Charley and Nicky in the living room of the Big Brother house last night when she said “Are you pushing it out you n*****?” to Charley.
Parr, who said that she did not intend to offend, was called into the diary room and informed of the decision to remove her from the house without further contact with other contestants. The remaining housemates were informed of Big Brother’s decision at approximately 9.30am.
As she was one of two housemates nominated for eviction this week the latest eviction vote has been suspended.
Following the Celebrity Big Brother racism row involving Shilpa Shetty and Jade Goody (see Duncan Defends Big Brother), Ofcom made Channel 4 air apologies at the beginning of the launch episode of series eight, which started last Wednesday (see Ofcom Announces Celebrity Big Brother Ruling).
Before entering the house, all contestants were given rules which stated that Big Brother would intervene if housemates behave “in a way that could cause serious offence to either their fellow Housemates or members of the viewing public including serious offence based on the grounds of race”.
Angela Jain, who heads the Big Brother commissioning team at Channel 4, said: “I think people watching the show tonight will agree that Emily spoke carelessly rather than maliciously – certainly Charley and Nicky, the two housemates most directly involved in the conversation with her, seem to accept that she did. She understands why her involvement in Big Brother has had to come an end and she very much regrets what she said.
“In the wake of Celebrity Big Brother we must consider the potential offence to viewers regardless of Emily’s intentions and her housemates’ response. The word n***** is clearly racially offensive and there was no justification for its use. We have removed Emily from the house to once again make it clear to all housemates and the viewers at home that such behaviour won’t be tolerated.”
Last night’s episode of Big Brother had a peak audience of just under 3.6 million adult viewers (a 20.5% share). The incident with Parr, Charley and Nicky will be shown on tonight’s show on Channel 4 at 10pm.
Channel 4: 020 7396 4444 www.channel4.com