Ofcom has received 7,138 complaints about a Big Brother episode aired on ITV2 on October 19, with viewers describing Omar's behaviour towards Rhianna as "disturbing" and "scary to watch." The figure marks the highest number of complaints for any episode in the current series.
Complaints surge after October 19 episode
The broadcasting regulator's weekly statistics for complaints submitted between October 13 and October 19 show a dramatic spike. The October 19 episode drew 7,138 complaints, compared with 658 for the second-most complained-about episode from October 18, which related to alleged bullying conduct by Philip.
Ofcom confirmed that the October 19 complaints focused on Omar's behaviour towards Rhianna. During the episode, Rhianna suggested Omar was "acting weird," and Omar told her to stop talking about him with other housemates, before having his own conversation about her with Lynx. He later asked for a conversation with Rhianna, saying he "could not sleep on it."
Viewer and charity reactions
In the storeroom, Rhianna challenged Omar: "From eviction night, up until now I feel like you've been acting weird with me." She was then called to the Diary Room to check on her wellbeing and said: "I'm not that good but I'll be fine. Obviously me and Omar have not been good over the last few days and sometimes I don't like the way he speaks to me."
Viewers expressed their concerns online, with one person on the Big Brother UK Subreddit saying: "I've just put my complaint in. That was so disturbing and scary to watch." Another wrote: "I've never made an Ofcom complaint before but it feels so important to do something... if there's any chance this can pressure BB production into removing Omar... So so dark."
Women's Aid released a statement following the controversy, saying: "We're seeing coercive and controlling behaviours being given a platform in popular media like Big Brother. We've been contacted by many viewers who have expressed concern. Not only does Big Brother risk minimising survivors' experiences, it also risks presenting abuse as a form of entertainment."
Big Brother response
Women's Aid added: "Producers should understand their responsibility to keep contestants emotionally and physically safe. The women in these programmes are real people and need real support. We continue to urge television companies such as ITV to engage with experts like Women's Aid to understand the nature of abuse and how they can do better to protect contestants."
A Big Brother spokesperson 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."
