More than 7,000 Ofcom complaints have been made about Omar's behaviour towards Rhianna in the Big Brother house, prompting charities Refuge and Women's Aid to release statements expressing concern.
The altercation, broadcast on Monday evening, saw Omar sternly tell Rhianna not to talk about him, saying: "Your feelings aren't fact unfortunately." Viewers were left disgusted by the exchange, although the pair appeared to have made up on Tuesday.
Refuge and Women's Aid respond
Refuge, a charity supporting sufferers of domestic abuse, said in a statement: "Refuge is deeply concerned by the behaviours witnessed during the current series of Big Brother. Media outlets have a responsibility to prioritise participant welfare and to ensure that harmful behaviour is identified and addressed appropriately."
The charity added: "Broadcasters must also actively choose not to amplify individuals displaying abusive behaviour. At a time when one in four women will experience domestic abuse in their lifetime, it is vital that public platforms do not contribute to the normalisation of abusive attitudes or behaviours."
Women's Aid also commented on Instagram: "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."
ITV defends its approach
ITV issued a statement in response to the scenes, saying: "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."
The broadcaster 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."
Rhianna's account and calls for action
During the episode, an upset Rhianna was called to the Diary Room, where she told Big Brother: "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."
She added: "I wouldn't let a boy speak to me like that outside of here so why am I letting him speak to me like that... If it keeps going in circles, we can just be friends."
I'm A Celeb star Dean McCulloch, a regular guest on Big Brother companion shows, said: "Omar needs to be removed from the house with immediate effect."
For confidential support, call the 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Freephone Helpline on 0808 2000 247 or visit womensaid.co.uk.
