Big Brother contestant Rochelle Rackham, 57, is at the centre of a racism row on the ITV reality series after an anecdote she told was reportedly cut from an episode. The incident follows earlier claims of a microaggression by co-star Johanne, a Black woman, who shared on air that a kitchen situation with Rochelle 'felt like a microaggression.'
Ofcom complaints and historic post
Ofcom received nearly 500 complaints from viewers accusing Rochelle of racism and bullying after a clash with Johanne earlier in the series. Shortly after, a racist social media repost from Rochelle, targeting Muslims and dating back 11 years, was unearthed.
A family source said: 'Eleven years ago, Rochelle reposted a meme on her social media which she later deleted after becoming aware of the offence it could cause.' The source added that she 'regretted' sharing it and would 'never want to cause anyone hurt or upset.' They concluded: 'She would be genuinely sorry to anyone offended by the post, and the language used in it does not reflect her values.'
Reported anecdote cut from episode
ITV is understood to be aware of the historic post, but Rochelle will remain in the house. Although all contestants are required to attend Respect and Inclusion training before entering, an insider told The Sun that an anecdote told by Rochelle, characterised as racist, was cut from Big Brother.
The insider said: 'Rochelle was talking to Lynx and some other housemates and told a story about one day when she was on the train. She said "I was on a train once and this black guy was acting weird and muttering to himself". Lynx was offended by the conversation and spoke to her about the language she used and how it made him feel. But he acknowledges to Rochelle that he knows there wasn't any intent behind it.'
They added: 'They hugged and she apologised several times, agreeing she didn't mean anything by it.'
Further remarks and response
Elsewhere in the series, the mum-of-three has also been criticised for making 'fat-shaming' comments towards 19-year-old Millie and insensitive remarks about amputees to fellow housemate Charlotte. Metro has reached out to ITV for comment.
