Latest News                                                                                     <<

C4 Refutes Racism & Bullying Claims

There was a huge controversy yesterday (Monday the 15th of January) among Big Brother fans over an alleged racist comment made by Jack Tweedy. However, Channel 4 have refuted any suggestion that Jade's boyfriend made such an offensive comment.

Word soon spread around the internet that the immature 19-year-old had referred to Shilpa as a 'p*ki' when lying in bed with Jade, something that was bleeped-out on the highlights show. Understandably, viewers got into a frenzy over the overtly racist remark.

The online Indian press even reported the incident as fact, as did many other websites, quoting Shilpa's publicist who basically said that the actress would likely shrug it off and rise above it.

Indeed, we received a deluge of e-mails regarding the matter and were forced to look into it in more detail. However, we can now confirm that Channel 4 have checked the original footage and Jack did NOT say that word, he actually used the worst swearword possible, the c-word.

Of course, this is highly offensive and a despicable thing to call a woman, but it's not, in its own right, racist. Even so, Shilpa has been called a dog, a w**ker and a c**t so far, which adds fuel to the fire that she is being bullied in the House.

Indeed, Jade, Jo and Danielle (plus Jack) seem to have formed a little clique and persistently make comments about Shilpa. There have also been a number of set-to's between the girls, but although fans are quick to blame Jade for these, they sometimes originate from the others, even if Jade is the mouthpiece.

And it hasn't helped that neither Cleo, Dirk, Ian or Jermaine have really spoken-out against the Witches in Shilpa's defence. So does playing the game and keeping in with everyone rank above ethics and moral responsibilities now?

Actually, that's a bit unfair, as clearly, the four of them are completely non-confrontational. As Dirk pointed-out recently, he'd probably make matters worse if he got involved in the arguments. Still, it would be nice for Shilpa to have some proper support.

Some fans put the whole thing down to the inevitable bitchiness you get when a group of young women get together; others claim that Shilpa asks for it by being 'up herself' and mocking her peers' accents.

Still, no-one deserves to be bullied and brought to tears, although Channel 4 have claimed that they're keeping an eye on things and released this statement to us last night:

“The social interactions and dynamics of the group are one of the key parts of the BB story, and viewers have a right to see these portrayed accurately. However, this is balanced with our duty not to broadcast material that may cause unjustifiable offence.

We take this matter very seriously and BB does not tolerate bullying or racist abuse in any form. Big Brother is closely monitoring all the housemates and will take appropriate measures to reprimand such behaviour where necessary.”

However, it doesn't look like anyone is going to be thrown-out or even pulled-up for their behaviour any time soon. After all, producers did nothing when Jade's Mum Jackiey persistently got Shilpa's name wrong, behaviour which was dubbed 'borderline racism' by many fans, if not blind ignorance.

About all the bullying in the House, glamour girl and former Celebrity BB housemate Jodie Marsh – who herself suffered bullying on last year's show – told us:

"Shilpa is being bullied and Channel 4 need to end it now. Perhaps we're not seeing the full extent of it, but Ian, who's had no issues with anyone, wouldn't be crying to himself if this wasn't a big issue.

It is simply gang bullying, where the biggest threat has being singled-out because she is perhaps better looking and has more style, class and intelligence than the bullies. It seems to be coming from Jade, who's responsible for the show losing some big characters already. Therefore, she should be kicked-out now to stop her manipulating others further."

Here at BBO we tend to agree with Jodie and feel that Jade has now run her course. Whether you agree or disagree with that comment, why not come and air your views in our Discussion Forum?

Check back soon for more Big Brother UK Latest News                          < back    top