Myha'la has said that "unconscious racial and cultural bias" exists in the BBC game show Celebrity Traitors, while defending her fellow contestants who were accused of racism after her banishment.
The Industry actress, aged 30, was a Faithful but was voted out during the round table on Thursday, 8 October, after she was seen winking at Traitor Richard E. Grant before voting him out. That moment, along with her reluctance to give up her shield in a challenge and her willingness to share her theories widely, made her seem suspicious to the other players.
Response to viewer accusation
After her exit, Myha'la posted on Instagram about her time on the show. One viewer commented: "Unfortunately, you were banished because you are BLACK. This is a consistent thread in this racist show."
In reply, the actress said she agreed that "unconscious racial and cultural bias exists in this game", but called the allegation "not a fair" assessment of her time on the show. She wrote: "I sealed my own fate! And that early in the game, there is VERY little to grasp on to, and I gave them…a lot."
She continued: "However, I do agree that unconscious racial and cultural bias exists in this game where my authenticity or honesty or the ways in which I choose to express myself look suspicious to people who are unfamiliar with people like me."
Defending her co-stars
Myha'la also spoke about her fears before entering the game. She said: "I had this fear coming into the game, as I am a BIG fan and also clocked right away how prevalent this is in this game. And I came in knowing I’d be the only American (apart from Honorary British National Treasure Jerry Hall)."
She added: "I’m not saying it’s right, I’m not saying racism doesn’t exist, but I do have to defend my dear friends on this show who in no way consciously put bias on me because of my race. That’s not a fair or complete assessment of what really happened in my case."
The actress also called for more conversation about the issue, writing: "I do think games like this should allow more conversation around unconscious bias and how, when under pressure, people (society) gravitate towards things they know and understand, or subsequently push away from things they don’t. It’s all love, and I REALLY genuinely appreciate your support."
Bond with Richard E. Grant
After her banishment, Myha'la discussed her friendship with Richard on The Celebrity Traitors: Uncloaked. She told host Ed Gamble: "I immediately got close to Richard, just because I feel like we’re twin flames. Really, I shouldn’t trust him as far as I could throw him, which is ultimately, I think, my demise."
She added: "I’m annoyed that Richard couldn’t stay in because I feel like he could have brought me to the turret and I would have let him win. I would have gladly led him to glory."
