CBS speaks out amid fan backlash over ‘Big Brother’ racism and bullying accusations
Fans have slammed the cast of Big Brother 21 for alleged racist remarks and behavior over the last four weeks that the show has aired.
On Thursday afternoon, both CBS and Big Brother producers released a joint statement to address the concern from fans and one of this season’s evicted houseguests.
“BIG BROTHER is a multi-platform reality competition show about a group of people who live in a house for several months with no contact from the outside world. The audience is able to view the show during the multiple weekly broadcasts as well as on the 24/7 live, online stream, which captures unedited content of the contestants unfiltered moments in the House,” they said. “At times, the Houseguests say things that we do not condone. We share some of the viewers’ concerns about inappropriate behavior and offensive comments, and producers have addressed specific incidents with the Houseguests involved. However, there is absolutely no truth that the casting of the show is racially motivated, that the Houseguests’ behavior is predetermined or that the outcome is controlled in any way.”
Last week saw three houseguests of color get evicted as David Alexander, Ovi Kabir, and Kemi Fakunle lost the Camp Comeback competition. Fans quickly took to Twitter and branded the show as racist, saying it was not a good look for CBS.
Live feed watchers also blasted houseguest Jack Matthews for his behavior towards Kemi with some of the viewers suggesting his actions towards her were racially motivated.
Kemi returned home following her time on the show and posted a tweet to call out the comments made by her former housemates and asked her fans to not respond with hateful comments in return.
The fourth eviction of the season takes place on Thursday and could potentially see the fourth person of color evicted as Isabella Wang is up against Jack Matthews.
Accusations of bullying have also taken place with houseguest Nicole Anthony being shunned by her fellow houseguests and had the door to the Head of Household room slammed in her face.
What do you think of the response by CBS? Let me know in the comments below!
Big Brother continues tonight with the latest live eviction with host Julie Chen Moonves.