'Racist' BB loses sponsor
2007-01-19 11:41
London - A sponsor dropped support for Britain's Celebrity Big Brother television reality show on Thursday following thousands of complaints that Indian film star Shilpa Shetty was the target of racial abuse, though she declared that race was not the reason she has clashed with housemates.
Channel 4 Chief Executive Andy Duncan insisted that the reality show would continue, saying it was unclear if the abuse was racist.
Following an argument with Jade Goody, Shetty had said she believed she was the target of racial abuse.
"I don't think that's true," she said in an interview clip released by Channel 4.
"I think there are a lot of insecurities from her end, but it's definitely not racial."
Shetty said she didn't believe Goody would apologise, and said: "She definitely needs to brush up on some manners."
Shops stop selling Goody's perfume
As political pressure and the number of complaints from the public grew, The Carphone Warehouse, a chain of stores selling mobile phone contracts, said it was suspending its sponsorship deal with the Channel 4 show indefinitely.
"Our concern has rapidly mounted about the broadcast behaviour of individuals within the Big Brother house," CEO Charles Dunstone said. "We are totally against all forms of racism and bullying, and indeed this behaviour is entirely at odds with the brand values of The Carphone Warehouse."
A chain of perfume shops said it would stop selling a fragrance, called "Shh.., which Goody has endorsed.
Termination of Danielle Lloyd's modelling contract
Bennetts insurance company said it was terminating a modelling contract with former beauty queen Danielle Lloyd, who has also clashed with Shetty. "Bennetts is strongly opposed to any form of racism and bullying and, in light of the accusations which have been made against Miss Lloyd, has taken the decision to terminate its arrangements with her with immediate effect," the company said.
Regulatory agency Ofcom said it had received 27 000 complaints by Thursday afternoon about alleged racial abuse by several contestants targeting Shetty.
Throughout the show, Shetty, 31, has repeatedly been reduced to tears by Goody, who has called the actress' cooking untrustworthy, mocked her accent and complained about her "screeching." Another contestant said Indians were thin because they under cooked their food.
Anger has erupted in India, as well, with newspapers there featuring the story on front pages. Indian and British leaders both have been compelled to comment on the issue, expressing concern at the alleged racism.
The broadcaster's responsibility to take action
The British regulator agency plans to state its concerns to Channel 4, but it would be the broadcaster's responsibility to take action, Chief Executive Ed Richards said.
"Clearly, what is happening is very serious. Any allegation of racism is very serious," Richards said.
Julia Bolsom, marketing director for The Perfume Shop, said the company did not feel comfortable selling Goody's perfume in its 150 stores.
"We've had e-mails from customers saying 'What are you going to do?"' Bolsom said. She said "Shh.." was pulled off the stores' shelves at least until Goody emerged from the house and had a chance to explain herself.
Hertfordshire police said they were investigating allegations of racist behaviour in the Big Brother house, north of London.
"We will continue to liaise with Ofcom and with (production company) Endemol, whom we have strongly encouraged to ensure that any form of behaviour that could raise similar concerns does not occur," the department said.
- AP