Homophobia row in The Apprentice
The Apprentice is the focus of another controversy, this time over alleged homophobic comments made by one candidate.
According to the Sunday Mirror, Mona Lewis offended her openly gay teammate Howard Ebison.
During a task to create a new image for the seaside town of Margate, Ebison suggested rebranding it as a gay holiday destination.
However, Lewis, who was born in Tanzania, reportedly rebuffed the suggestion, saying she would not want her six-year-old son to meet a gay man.
An insider told the newspaper: “Howard did very well to keep his cool as he was extremely offended. He had to put up with a certain amount of homophobic abuse when he was growing up, so this really upset him.
“The group was stunned that someone as intelligent as Mona could have such old-fashioned views. Even though she was raised in a country with more traditional values, her comments were indefensible.”
The producers of the BBC1 show are reported to be considering how much of the exchange can be aired.
Last month, Yasmina Siadatan was accused of racism by another candidate.
While working on an advert for sportswear, she had argued that one of the models in the photo should be white.
She said: “If we have two ethnic minorities, it will be like we are advertising for The Ethnic Minorities Sportswear Club. I think we’ve got to have a white person in there as well.”
Colleague Debra Barr was quick to voice her shock, saying, “How can we say that? I am gobsmacked we can say that.”
Siadatan argued back: “Well I’m Iranian so I can say it. I am just being honest. Debra can f–k off.”
