Big Brother star Harry Symonds is facing racism allegations after social media posts from over 13 years ago, containing offensive language, resurfaced. Symonds, a former police officer currently in the Big Brother house, is accused of writing racist posts on Twitter, now X, under the name @HarrySymonds16, referring to the Traveller community when he was a teenager.
Posts from 2013-2014
Symonds was 17 at the time the Twitter posts were made. The now 31-year-old from Croydon has not aired any extreme views or offensive language during his time on the show, but it has been claimed that he wrote posts between 2013 and 2014 that displayed negative attitudes towards Travellers and used a slur. These are the only posts of such a nature he is accused of posting.
The posts were leaked to the Sun and in them, Symonds allegedly said: "I hate p***ys with a passion". He is also accused of saying: "The amount of gypsies I’ve seen in Croydon lately is just ridiculous!"
Legal and regulatory context
The Romani people and Irish Travellers are legally recognised as a distinct ethnic group in the UK, meaning any hostility and abuse directed towards them can amount to racial harassment or racial discrimination. As at 2021, an Ofcom report revealed the regulator was "increasingly worried" about discriminatory language, including racism towards these communities.
All Big Brother housemates have to take Respect and Inclusion training before going into the house, which addressed what language and behaviour is acceptable. Housemates also undergo a background check, where their social media is looked at by an independent specialised service.
ITV response and context
The latest racism allegations towards Symonds comes after ITV had to issue a statement amid backlash over the way housemate Omar was treating fellow contestant Rhianna. Fans rushed online after one episode, calling for producers to step in after an altercation between the two left Rhianna in tears. The two had been in a relationship, but after they broke up, Omar went over to Rhianna, lowered his head and told her to stop talking about him. He then left the bedroom and continued to speak about her to others, including Lynx. The scenes left many uncomfortable, including Women's Aid, who called Omar's behaviour "coercive and controlling".
ITV said: "All Housemates receive Respect and Inclusion training and an extensive briefing from the Big Brother Senior team to prepare them for living in the House and to set out Big Brother’s expectations for appropriate behaviour and language."
"Housemates are monitored 24 hours a day and any instances of inappropriate behaviour are responded to appropriately. Welfare and safeguarding are prioritised throughout the production, with a dedicated welfare team available to support Housemates before, during and after their time in the House."
The Mirror went to ITV for comment.
