ITV removes and edits episode of Big Brother over housemate's 'offensive' clothing
ITV has issued an apology after viewers complained over a t-shirt worn by Ali in Tuesday's edition of the reality show, with the episode being removed from ITVX and edited. Big Brother fans spotted that the ITV reality show's Tuesday episode was no longer available on ITVX, with the broadcaster revealing it has been removed for "compliance reasons".
However, a spokesperson for Big Brother has now explained that the episode has been removed and will be edited after some viewers complained about Ali's t-shirt, which featured the image of a watermelon. A spokesperson for Big Brother said: "All Housemate items are checked by our production team before they go into the Big Brother House to ensure they comply with the Rules and compliance requirements.
"Big Brother does not allow any personal items into the House that could be deemed harmful. We regret that the implications of this particular item of clothing were not fully understood in our bag checks or prior to broadcast of last night’s show. We apologise to any viewers who have been offended by the broadcast and assure viewers that Big Brother was unaware of the implications of the image."
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They added that production staff have spoken to the housemate involved about the item of clothing - and that they said they were "unaware of the implications" of the t-shirt. "The item of clothing has been removed from the House. The Housemate has been spoken to and they have expressed that they are unaware of the implications and did not wish to cause any harm or offence. Any offensive messaging associated with the image does not reflect the values or beliefs of Big Brother," they added.
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Tuesday's episode became the focus of debate after the Campaign Against Antisemitism claimed that Ali's t-shirt depicted 'the map of Israel as a watermelon - a symbol widely associated with anti-Israel sentiment'.
"How did the show's staff allow this shirt to be worn, let alone broadcast it on national television?" the campaign's X page wrote. "This incident represents a serious violation of broadcasting standards. We have submitted a complaint to @Ofcom."
Kicking off earlier this month, Big Brother has so evicted two contestants from the iconic ITV house - with Daze becoming the latest to leave during Friday's show. During her exit interview on Big Brother Late and Live with AJ and Will, the climate activist said she thought she had been evicted because "what she does is really unpopular."
After seeing she had received five nominations for eviction, Daze jokingly booed, before saying she was surprised she had been nominated by housemate Segun. Speaking about her friendship with Lily in the house, Daze said: "She's so authentic within herself. In a house like that, it's such a privilege to be around. She's constantly joyous and doesn't give a s**t about what anyone thinks."
