Councillors call for action on Big Brother racism allegations

Labour councillors in Tower Hamlets have voiced concern over the way in which Bollywood star, Shilpa Shetty is being treated in the current series of the reality TV show, Celebrity Big Brother.

The behaviour of a number of the other contestants in the house has given rise to over 14,500 complaints to OFCOM so far, a UK television record by a margin of 5,500, while a further 2,000 complaints have so far been received by Channel 4.

The councillors have welcomed assurances from OFCOM, the media regulator that the matter is being fully investigated.

This year is not the first time that Celebrity Big Brother has been associated with alleged bullying behaviour, with Bethnal Green and Bow MP, George Galloway condemned by many for his behaviour towards fellow 2006 contestant, Jodie Marsh in the Big Brother House.

Labour Council Leader, Cllr. Denise Jones said:

“Racism or bullying in any form is unacceptable in civilised society. I would ask Channel Four to take immediate action to remind housemates that racist behaviour is unacceptable. Tower Hamlets has an excellent record in tackling racist behaviour and promoting community cohesion but important local work can be undermined by this type of behaviour on national television.”

Labour Councillor for East India and Lansbury, Cllr. Shiria Khatun said:

“Calling someone a “dog” or “the Indian”, suggesting that Indians were thin because they were always ill as a result of undercooking their food and the alleged use of the offensive term “Paki” are all absolutely unacceptable. All of these ‘celebrities’ have a duty to act as positive role models and instead are demonstrating the most appalling behaviour.”