"Big Brother": CBS does not "condone" bigoted remarks
Several of the houseguests competing on this season of "Big Brother" have come under fire for allegedly making misogynistic, racist and homophobic remarks while taping the reality series.
None of the offensive comments have been shown on the two episodes of season 15 that have aired so far, but bloggers for websites like Reality Blurred, Zap2It, JokersUpdate and HamsterWatch have been keeping track of the controversial remarks while watching the "Big Brother" 24/7 live feed webcast.
After several sites posted some of the remarks, CBS issued the following statement, noting it finds the comments made on the live Internet feed "offensive":
"'Big Brother' is a reality show about watching a group of people who have no privacy 24/7 -- and seeing every moment of their lives. At times, the houseguests reveal prejudices and other beliefs that we do not condone. We certainly find the statements made by several of the houseguests on the live Internet feed to be offensive. Any views or opinions expressed in personal commentary by a houseguest appearing on 'Big Brother,' either on any live feed from the house or during the broadcast, are those of the individual(s) speaking and do not represent the views or opinions of CBS or the producers of the program."
The statement comes as some of show's cast members face scrutiny for making derisive statements about their black, Asian and gay roommates. Contestants Kaitlin and GinaMarie have been criticized for saying that black contestants are only in the house as "tokens." Housemate Spencer has been accused of referring to women as the c-word and calling gay cast member Andy a "f--."
According to online reports, contestant David said that the bedroom sheets smelled bad because "black Candice" had laid on top of them. There has also been multiple reported instances of the N-word being said on camera.
Texas native Aaryn has faced the strongest criticisms after she was heard telling Asian cast member Helen to shut up and "go make some rice." Aaryn also allegedly said multiple slurs about black and gay people. The 22-year-old college student has since been dropped by her modeling agency, Zephyr Talent, following word of the remarks.
"Aaryn...revealed prejudices and other beliefs that we (Zephyr Talent) do not condone," the agency wrote on its Facebook page, "We certainly find the statements made by Aaryn on the live Internet feed to be offensive. Any views or opinions expressed in personal commentary by Aaryn, either on any live feed from the house or during the broadcast, are hers alone and do not represent the views or opinions of Zephyr Talent."
The next episode of "Big Brother" will air Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET, when the first contestant from this season will be eliminated from the house.
