ITV's Big Brother has received 7,138 complaints to Ofcom over the episode aired on October 19, after viewers described scenes involving Omar's behaviour towards Rhianna as 'disturbing' and 'scary to watch'. The regulator's weekly stats, covering October 13 to October 19, show this episode attracted the most complaints of the current series, far exceeding the 658 logged for the October 18 show.
Viewer backlash and calls for removal
Complaints on October 19 related to Omar's behaviour towards Rhianna, while those on October 18 were over alleged bullying behaviour by Philip. Fans took to the Big Brother UK subreddit, with several admitting they filed complaints. One person said: "I've just put my complaint in. That was so disturbing and scary to watch." Another added: "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."
During the episode, Rhianna told Omar: "From eviction night, up until now I feel like you've been acting weird with me." She was later called to the Diary Room, where she 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."
Women's Aid statement and ITV response
Women's Aid released a statement following the backlash, 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."
The charity 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 spokesperson for Big Brother 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." They added: "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."
Additional complaints and next episode
Big Brother also received 206 complaints over the most recent live eviction show, about the alleged bullying of Rob by Rochelle and Philip. A further 110 complaints were made for the October 13 episode over issues including comments by Rochelle about Yasmin's weight, Omar's behaviour towards Yasmin and Rhianna, and Lynx's behaviour towards Rob.
Big Brother continues tonight at 9pm on ITV2 and ITVX.
