Controversies have been around for a while. Big Brother. Since the show’s U.S. debut in 2000, the reality series has made headlines for an array of topics. Each season brings out more disputes.
The show has been criticized for racism over the past two decades, starting with an incident in season 15. 2013 Aaryn Gries referred to Asian people as “squinty-eyed,” called her Black roommate Candice Stewart “Aunt Jemima” asked her Korean housemate Helen Kim to “go make some rice.”
GinaMarie Zimmerman and Spencer ClawsonThey were also accused of making insensitive comments throughout the season. Julie ChenIt was discussed on The Talk.
“It stung,” the host said at the time. “I took it personally. The really sad part was it took me back to the ’70s when I was growing up in Queens, when I was 7, being bullied and being called a chink … the year is 2013! I felt ignorant. Are there still people who feel the same way? Yes, there is.”
However, discrimination claims were not stopped. Moments before being named the 2019 season 21 winner, Jackson Michie was shocked when Chen informed him that his houseguests had expressed concerns about his behavior, making choices based on race or age — something he adamantly denied.
Season 21 contestants are also available Kemi Fakunle spoke out, revealing she was “disgusted” about what was happening inside the Big Brotherhouse, presumably referring to the aggressive comments made by Jack MatthewsDuring the live feeds
“The audience is able to view the show during the multiple weekly broadcasts as well as on the 24/7 live, online stream, which captures unedited content of the contestants’ unfiltered moments in the house,” the network and the show’s producers said in a statement in July 2019. “At times, the houseguests say things that we do not condone. We share some of the viewers’ concerns about inappropriate behavior and offensive comments, and producers have addressed specific incidents with the houseguests involved. However, there is absolutely no truth that the casting of the show is racially motivated, that the houseguests’ behavior is predetermined or that the outcome is controlled in any way.”
Scroll down to see the gallery for the most controversial moments from the show.
