Celebrity Big Brother racism controversy

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This article is about events related to alleged incidents of racist behaviour by contestants on the television series Celebrity Big Brother 2007 shown on British television station Channel 4. The accusations of racism centred on comments made by several of the contestants on this reality television show, which were then screened on UK television. The comments were directed at another of the contestants, Indian-born actress Shilpa Shetty, and resulted in extensive national and international media coverage and provoked responses from both the UK and Indian governments.

Contents

[edit] Basis of accusations

  • Jade Goody's mother, Jackiey Budden, repeatedly referred to Shilpa as "the Indian" while she was on the show because, according to her, she was unable to pronounce Shilpa's name.[1] However, during her eviction interview, Davina coerced Jackiey into saying "Shilpa" and Jackiey pronounced it properly, although a bit agitated.
  • Jack Tweed, Jade's boyfriend, called Shilpa Shetty a "fucking [expletive]", with the bleeped-out expletive variously reported as "cunt"[2] and "Paki".[3]
  • Jo generalised that all Indians were thin because they were "sick all the time" as a result of undercooking their food because she and other housemates believed Shilpa undercooked a chicken meal.[1]
  • Referring to Shilpa applying facial hair bleaching cream, Danielle said "she's trying to make her face look white." Jo also mocked Shilpa's accent by saying "ooh I got a hairy face"[1]
  • After an argument between Shilpa and Jade, witnessed by a giggling Jo and Danielle, Danielle said she thought Shilpa should "fuck off home". She also said that Shilpa "can't even speak English properly anyway."[5] She also mentioned to Jo that she didn't like Shilpa touching her food because "you don't know where her hands have been". The next morning, Danielle spoke to Shilpa about the situation, but did not apologise. During the conversation in the bedroom, Jade entered, sat in front of Danielle, blocking out Shilpa, and began doing makeup. As Shilpa left, Danielle told Jade that she "tried apologising to her". Later Danielle made an awkward attempt to apologize by saying "I feel really bad, I feel disgusted with myself the way I've treated you and the way I've acted, because I'm not like that, Shilpa, really," ... "And you can even cook me curry and you can pick the onions out with your fingers."[6]
  • Jade referred to Shilpa as, among other things, 'Shilpa Fuckawallah', 'Shilpa Daroopa' and 'Shilpa Papadum'. She later insisted that she had done this with no intention of racism. Commenting on this in the Diary Room, she apologised if her actions had offended anybody.[7][8]
  • Even after Jade apologised to Shilpa for her behaviour (on Day 16), Jack continued to abuse Shilpa. Jack confessed that he was very disappointed with Jade for apologising to Shilpa, and called Shilpa a "dick". He previously described Shilpa as a "wanker".[9]

The three girls under most scrutiny for racist accusations — Goody, Lloyd and O'Meara — repeatedly stated, amongst each other and the other housemates, that they feel Shilpa is a 'fake' and a 'loser'.[10]

[edit] Reaction

UK media regulator Ofcom received more than 50,000 complaints[11][12][13] - a record number for a British television programme after transmission. Channel 4 received an additional 3,000 complaints,[14][15] about racism and bullying by housemates against Shetty. The Eastern Eye newspaper launched an online petition that registered over 30,000 signatures.[16] Channel 4 initially described the situation as "girly rivalry" but later admitted there had "undoubtedly been a cultural clash between her and three of the British females in the house".[17]

[edit] Media reaction

Wikinews

Various media outlets initially characterized the issue as 'girlish rivalry'[18] but later blamed it on bullying and racism. As time progressed, the majority of media coverage on Goody became negative, although accusations of racism were superseded by those of bullying. An editorial published by The Daily Mirror on 18 January 2007 called 'Beauty V Bigot' deplored what they referred to as "disgraceful racist bullying of Big Brother's Shilpa Shetty" and criticised Channel 4 management for maintaining that there wasn't a racial element to the bullying.[19] The British tabloids mostly concentrated on the comments made by Goody, rather than those made by Jack, Danielle and Jo towards Shilpa, as well as the bullying from them. For instance, when Jade and Shilpa were arguing over Oxo cubes, Shilpa pleaded with Jo for assistance by saying “Jo, I mean, are you going to say something here what is happening here?” to which Jo responded by bursting out laughing. Jermaine later said "when all this was going on I saw Danielle and Jo laughing and then branded them as 'the allies'."

The controversy generated over 300 newspaper articles in Britain, 1,200 in English language newspapers around the globe, 3,900 foreign language news articles, and 22,000 blog postings on the internet.[20]

Vanni Treves, Channel 4's former chairman, urged the station to cancel the show.[21] Big Brother was Channel 4's biggest money-spinner, accounting for around seven per cent of its total £800 million advertising income[21], however the show was axed on 24 August 2007 [1].

Producers of some of the international versions of Big Brother have also changed some rules in light of this incident.

[edit] Political reaction

Leicester East MP Keith Vaz has tabled an Early Day Motion with parliament addressing this issue,[22] while, the then Chancellor of the Exchequer, Gordon Brown has condemned the attacks.[2] Tony Blair refused to comment on the issue as he has not been watching the show, although he did condemn racism in all its forms. The government of India has stated that it will take "action as required".[23]

London mayor Ken Livingstone weighed in on the controversy by stating "The racism towards Shilpa Shetty on Celebrity Big Brother is completely unacceptable." He went on to accuse the producers of the program of selectively editing the show "to broadcast participants' racist comments".[24]

In an interview with Commission for Equality and Human Rights chairman Trevor Phillips, broadcast on BBC One on 21 January, Channel 4 chairman Luke Johnson was held accountable for what Phillips termed as 'failing to deal properly with the crisis'. Phillips has suggested Johnson should "make clear that they got it wrong" and admit that "they intervened too little too late". He also suggested that Channel 4 should not profit from the series, giving all of the money to charity. If this fails to happen it has been suggested, by Phillips, that further action could be taken by the culture secretary and Johnson's job could be under threat.[25]

[edit] Reaction in India

In response to the alleged racism being directed at actress Shetty in the Big Brother House, protesters took to the streets in India and burned effigies of the show's organisers. The Indian Government also plans to raise the issue with the British Government.[26] India Tourism Office has extended an "invitation" to Jade Goody, to visit India and experience its "healing nature."[27]

[edit] Police investigation

According to the BBC Shetty confided in fellow housemate Cleo Rocos that she feared the arguments between Goody, O'Meara, Lloyd and herself was the result of her race. After being told by Cleo that this was unlikely, Shilpa retorted by saying "It is, I'm telling you". Shilpa did not lodge an official complaint of racist behaviour to Big Brother.[17] Yet Shetty's admission has forced police to investigate whether or not to classify her treatment as 'racial hatred' under Part III of the Public Order Act 1986.

Hertfordshire police said in a statement that it was

investigating allegations of racist behaviour in the Big Brother house and will be conducting enquiries, including a review of the tapes. We will continue to liaise with Ofcom and with Endemol, whom we have strongly encouraged to ensure that any form of behaviour that could raise similar concerns, does not occur. We will continue to closely monitor the situation over the next few days. Hertfordshire Constabulary will not tolerate racism in any form and is taking these allegations seriously. The constabulary has experience of investigating and resolving incidents in the Big Brother house in past seasons.[28]

Shetty later withdrew her claims of racism, stating she did not think Jade was being racist during their argument.[29] However, Shetty was unaware of all the alleged insults levelled against her, often done behind her back at that time.

[edit] Sponsor and corporate backlash

On 18 January, The Carphone Warehouse suspended its sponsorship of Celebrity Big Brother with immediate effect over the alleged racism. This does not however, entitle the Carphone Warehouse to recoup prepaid sponsorship monies, therefore causing minimal financial damage to Channel 4[29]The company's chief executive, Charles Dunstone, said in a statement:

Our concern has rapidly mounted about the broadcast behaviour of individuals within the Big Brother house. We are totally against all forms of racism and bullying and indeed this behaviour is entirely at odds with the brand values of the Carphone Warehouse. As a result we feel that as long as this continues we are unable to associate our brand with the programme. We had already made it clear to Channel 4 that were this to continue, we would have to consider our position. Nothing we saw last night gave us any comfort. Accordingly we have instructed Channel 4 to remove our sponsorship name and branding with immediate effect.[30]

Fragrance chain The Perfume Shop announced they are to withdraw Jade Goody's brand of perfume, Shh..., from their stores.[31] Pharmacy chain Boots and Debenhams department stores followed suit and also pulled the perfume from their shelves.[32][33]

HarperCollins cancelled plans to publish the paperback version of Jade Goody's autobiography. The book, titled "Jade: My Autobiography" was published in its hardbound version in May 2006 and scheduled to be released in paperback on February 5, 2007. A spokesman for the firm stated:

In light of recent events, HarperCollins has decided it wouldn't be appropriate to proceed with the paperback publication of Jade: My Autobiography as planned on 5 February. The author and agent support this decision.

[34]

LIVINGtv cancelled its six-figure contract with Jade Goody, though it did not specifically cite Jade's behaviour as a cause.

Rocawear cancelled its contract with Danielle Lloyd to be an official model for the brand. Company director Steve Crayson is quoted as saying:

As a leading global fashion brand, we condemn any form of intolerance and/or racism. We don't believe Danielle to be racist, but cannot ignore the comments made by her while on Channel 4.[35]

Motorcycle insurance firm Bennetts terminated its six-figure agreement with Danielle Lloyd to be the official model for their company. A firm spokesperson is quoted as saying:

Bennetts is strongly opposed to any form of racism and bullying. ... In light of the accusations which have been made against Miss Lloyd, it has taken the decision to terminate its arrangements with her.

Hertsmere Borough Council, the owners of Big Brother's studios in Elstree have threatened to refuse permission to film.[36]

Other sponsors of the show, Beauty-boxes.com, Zamya aromatherapy products, United Biscuits and Cobra Beer withdrew sponsorship from the programme,[37][21] and deals with a number of advertisers, including Cow & Gate, the baby food manufacturer, and moneysupermarket.com were cancelled.</ref> Vanni Treves, Channel 4's former chairman, urged the station to cancel the show.[21]Yet the chances of this are unlikely as Big Brother is Channel 4's biggest money-spinner, accounting for around seven per cent of its total £800 million advertising income.[21]

[edit] Jade's apology

In an exclusive interview with the News of the World newspaper, Jade apologised for her behaviour. She admitted that her comments to Shilpa could be seen to be racist. In a tearful state on a video posted on the newspaper's website, Goody said:

I know that things that I don’t think are necessarily racist ... could be. ... And I am sincerely sorry for the pain and hurt I’ve caused to Shilpa’s family. I am wrong ... I am wrong and I know that my words and my actions were wrong and I’m not trying to justify that in any way – I am wrong, and the people who have complained are not wrong. They’re just insulted by me and I completely take that criticism.[38]

[edit] Big Brother intervention

A Channel 4 spokeswoman admitted Big Brother had intervened in the latest row - but only to make contestants "realise that what they have said has been misconstrued in the house". The idea, she said, was to allow the housemates "to explain themselves" to their fellow contestants.[39] This was followed by a series of apologies by the housemates to Shilpa and a declaration by her that she did not believe Jade was racist. Also Jade said inside the house before she left: "I know why there's no noise." When Shilpa asked "Why?" Jade replied: "I know, but I can't tell you.[37] In an interview with the Daily Star, Jade admitted that, during her final hours in the Channel 4 house, Big Brother had revealed that her abuse of Shilpa had ruined her own "girl-next-door" image.[40]

[edit] Additional claims

On 1 February, several British media outlets began reporting additional claims that Shilpa had in fact been called a "fucking Paki" by a housemate, although it is unclear whether this is believed to be the aforementioned incident involving Jack. In another instance, Shilpa is reported to have been the subject of a 'limerick', improvised by one of the housemates, which began "there was a young girl from Bombay" and ended "this house was happy, until we got that fucking Paki". These claims allegedly come from an Endemol employee who was interviewed the previous day by Hertfordshire police and who provided them with a hand-written "production running-order", intended for Dermot O'Leary, the back of which details these episodes as well as noting "there ARE dodgy clips, we are fucked". Police were said to have demanded unedited footage of these alleged incidents from Endemol, who confidently denied the claims and refused to hand over any footage.[41][42] The CPS have now decided not to bring criminal charges against anyone nor to pursue unbroadcast footage through the courts. The informant has not come forward to have his/her claims tested.

[edit] Viewership

Celebrity Big Brother's launch show (aired on 2007-01-03) averaged 7.1 million viewers,[43] and ratings fell to 3.9 million by 2007-01-07.[44] Ratings quickly rose as media coverage reported alleged racism towards Shilpa Shetty from fellow female contestants; the episode that aired on 2007-01-16 saw a ratings boost with the show sharing 18% of the available audience and ratings of 4.5 million viewers,[45] as the episode aired on the 2007-01-17 is predicted to be Celebrity Big Brother's top ratings grabber. The episode the following night also rose in ratings, as 5.2 million people viewed the episode. The ratings once again rose on Jade's eviction night to an average of 7.8 million viewers[46] and a peak of 8.8 million viewers, which were the highest viewing figures in Celebrity Big Brother's history[47] and second for any Big Brother show after the Big Brother 3 finale, which landed a record 10 million viewers.[48] The Big Brother 3 final night was the same night that Jade left the house for the first time back in 2002.

[edit] After the event

[edit] Shilpa Shetty

On 14 February 2007 Shilpa Shetty said "Jade did apologise. And I've forgiven her. Anyone, who knows me, knows I forgive and forget easily."[49]

On 17 February 2007, Shilpa said that she wanted to forgive Jo O'Meara, but she and other Celebrity Big Brother contestants had difficulty contacting her.[50]

On May 11 2007 Shilpa Shetty released her new Bollywood film, Life in a... Metro. The film had a Leicester Square premiere (the first for a Bollywood film). In the UK, Shilpa continues to work on projects, including a West End musical and perfume.

[edit] Jo O'Meara

Unlike fellow housemate Jade Goody, Jo O'Meara did not donate her fees for appearing on the show (and for an interview with the Sunday Mirror) to charity, stating that her intention in taking part in the show was to pay off her mortgage debt.[51]

O'Meara has also stated that she never bullied Shilpa Shetty, and that the program showed her as a much different person than in reality and that the producers of the program exploited her. She has claimed that the media frenzy surrounding the depiction of her as racist has left her on the verge of a nervous breakdown. She is in an unstable mental state, and has even considered physically harming herself.

In an interview with Sky News, Jo explained that she has been left feeling paranoid and that she has been prescribed drugs to return her to 'normal'.[52] In an interview with UK breakfast television show GMTV, O'Meara stated she needed to be in a safe house as she has received death threats. In the interview, she stated how she received very little in the way of support from Big Brother.

[edit] Ofcom Report

On 24 May 2007, it was reported that TV watchdog Ofcom had adjudicated on the race row during the Celebrity Big Brother series following the record number of complaints. Channel 4 was found to have breached the Ofcom code of conduct. Statutory sanctions were imposed on Channel 4, obliging them to broadcast statements of Ofcom's findings on three separate occasions at the start of the new series of Big Brother in May. It was also reported that footage of an alleged racist limerick about Shilpa, devised by her antagonisers, did exist, despite previous denials by Endemol.[53] However, the report made clear that the phrase "fucking Paki" was not used by Jack Tweed as previously believed.[54] A transcript of untransmitted footage was also released where Big Brother clearly warns some housemates that what they were saying could be regarded as racially offensive.[55]

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b c d How the Big Brother row erupted. BBC News (2007-01-17). Retrieved on 2007-01-17.
  2. ^ Jack speaks!. The Mirror (2007-01-26). Retrieved on 2007-01-26.
  3. ^ Big Brother has a Big Mouth. The Times of India (2007-01-14). Retrieved on 2007-01-28.
  4. ^ "Anti-social behaviour", bbc.co.uk, URL last accessed on 2007-01-18
  5. ^ "Shilpa Shetty's tormentor kicked off reality TV show", Reuters.com, URL last accessed on 2006-02-03
  6. ^ Evicted Jade fears public backlash. ITV News (2007-01-19). Retrieved on 2007-01-19.
  7. ^ Jade 'manipulated' into race apology to Shilpa. Daily Mail (2007-01-19). Retrieved on 2007-01-19.
  8. ^ Beauty and the beastliness: a tale of declining British values. Daily Mail (2007-01-19). Retrieved on 2007-01-22.
  9. ^ Jack describes Shilpa as a "dick" (2007-01-20).
  10. ^ Daniel Saney (2007-01-09). Jade: "Shilpa comes across as fake". Digital Spy. Retrieved on 2007-01-21.
  11. ^ Jade: I'm so f***ing scared. Daily Star (20 January 2007). Retrieved on 20 January 2007.
  12. ^ UK Big Brother contestants face vote. stuff.co.nz. Retrieved on 20 January 2007.
  13. ^ Big Brother sponsors pull out over 'racism' row. 24dash.com. Retrieved on 18 January 2007.
  14. ^ Racism, ratings and reality TV: now Big Brother creates a diplomatic incident. politics.guardian.co.uk. Retrieved on 18 January 2007.
  15. ^ "Channel 4 denies Brother 'racism'", BBC News. URL last accessed on 2007-01-17.
  16. ^ "Racism, ratings and reality TV", Guardian Unlimited, URL last accessed on 2007-01-18
  17. ^ a b Shetty fears Big Brother 'racism'. BBC News (2007-01-18). Retrieved on 2007-01-28.
  18. ^ Girlish Rivalry. With and Without (2007-01-26). Retrieved on 2007-01-26.
  19. ^ BEAUTY V BIGOT. The Daily Mirror (2007-01-18). Retrieved on 2007-01-18.
  20. ^ Alan Cowell (2007-01-21). Racial Subplot on British ‘Big Brother’ Grabs Nation and Ratings. The New York Times. Retrieved on 2007-01-21.
  21. ^ a b c d e Axe Big Brother, says ex-Channel 4 Boss. Telegraph (2007-01-21). Retrieved on 2007-01-21.
  22. ^ BBC article about the Early Day Motion
  23. ^ Asian News International, "Govt. will take "action as required" on Shilpa Shetty controversy: Anand Sharma", Yahoo! News 2007-01-15. Retrieved on 2007-01-20.
  24. ^ London mayor bats for Shilpa Shetty. WORLD NEWS - Yahoo India (2007-01-18). Retrieved on 2007-01-18.
  25. ^ "Channel 4 denies coaching Goody. BBC (2007-01-21). Retrieved on 2007-01-21.
  26. ^ Protests in India over Big Brother. Guardian Unlimited (2007-01-17). Retrieved on 2007-01-21.
  27. ^ Himanshi Dhawan (2007-01-20). Gandhigiri? Abusive Jade invited to India to cleanse inner self. The Times of India. Retrieved on 2007-01-21.
  28. ^ Shilpa abuse a "racial incident". Media Guardian.Subscription needed
  29. ^ a b Big Brother sponsor suspends deal. BBC News (2007-01-18). Retrieved on 2007-01-20.
  30. ^ Big Business For Big Brother. Sky News via Yahoo! UK & Ireland Finance (2007-01-18). Retrieved on 2007-01-22.
  31. ^ James Welsh, "Perfume Shop drops Jade's "Shh"", Digital Spy, 2007-01-18. Retrieved on 2007-01-20.
  32. ^ Jade 'manipulated' into race apology to Shilpa. Daily Mail (2007-01-19). Retrieved on 2007-01-19.
  33. ^ Jade evicted as poll reveals public anger with Channel 4. The Guardian (2007-01-20). Retrieved on 2007-01-20.
  34. ^ Disgraced Goody's autobiography axed. Daily Mail (2007-01-25). Retrieved on 2007-01-27.
  35. ^ EXCLUSIVE: DITCHED: Jade and Dani lose six-figure contracts. Daily Mirror (2007-01-24). Retrieved on 2007-01-24.
  36. ^ DUMPED. Daily Mirror (2007-01-19). Retrieved on 2007-01-19.
  37. ^ a b NO CROWD NO SHOCK.. NO REALITY. Daily Mirror (2007-01-20). Retrieved on 2007-01-20.
  38. ^ Jade Goody, "'I AM SINCERELY DISGUSTED WITH MY BEHAVIOUR'", News of the World. Retrieved on 2007-01-21.
  39. ^ Are housemates aware of race row?. BBC (2007-01-19). Retrieved on 2007-01-19.
  40. ^ Evicted Jade talks EXCLUSIVELY to the Daily Star. Daily Star (2007-01-20). Retrieved on 2007-01-20.
  41. ^ New claims Shilpa was called a 'Paki'. Metro.
  42. ^ Dodgy clips exist. The Sun.
  43. ^ Donna Watson, "BB RATINGS CONTINUE SLIDE", The Daily Record, 2007-01-09. Retrieved on 2007-01-09.
  44. ^ The Association Press Limited, "Jade blamed for tumbling Celeb BB ratings", Tiscali, 2007-01-08. Retrieved on 2007-01-09.
  45. ^ Chris Tryhorn (2007-01-17). Race row boosts Big Brother ratings. Guardian Unlimited. Retrieved on 2007-01-22.
  46. ^ Row fuels Big Brother ratings rise. The Guardian.
  47. ^ Jade 'donating TV fee to charity'. BBC News (2007-01-21). Retrieved on 2007-01-28.
  48. ^ Trivia for "Big Brother". Internet Movie Database.
  49. ^ "I'm totally apolitical: Shilpa Shetty", Hindustan Times. URL last accessed 2007-02-18.
  50. ^ "SHILPA BANNED FROM SEEING SICK JO", Daily Star. URL last accessed 2007-02-18.
  51. ^ "Jo O'Meara Says Axe Big Brother", Sky News. 
  52. ^ Phillips, Fiona. "Big Brother bonus - Jo's anguish", GMTV, 2007-02-07. 
  53. ^ "CBB Ordered To Make Race Row Apology", Sky News, URL last accessed 2007-05-24
  54. ^ "Ofcom Content Sanctions Committee", Ofcom Report, URL last accessed on 2006-05-25
  55. ^ "CBB5 Transcript of untransmitted material" URL last accessed on 2006-05-24
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