Big Brother contestant sparks complaints after calling couple ‘bum boys’
Complaints have been lodged against reality series Big Brother – after a contestant used a homophobic slur.
BB Housemate Sam Giffen, who is gay himself, made the comments during an argument with housemates Ryan Ruckledge and Hughie Maughan, who have embarked in an on-air romance.
In the argument, Griffen yelled: “Everyone’s shouting in my face. I’ve done nothing wrong”, before adding that he would not be picked on by “bum boys”.
On social media, many questioned why the housemate had been allowed to use the slur without punishment.
One Twitter user wrote: “Sam calling Hughie and Ryan bum boys. That’s whats wrong with the gay community. Gays making homophobic comments to other gays. Sick.”
Another person said: “BBUK on catch up! Just cos Sam’s gay doesn’t mean it’s ok for him to call Hughie and Ryan Bum Boys!! Bang out of order!! Sort him BB!”
Some said they were surprised a gay person would use such a derisive term.
Another Big Brother fan wrote: “What does Sam mean by ‘bum boys’ I mean? Gay people being low key homophobic aint cool.”
Channel 5 is yet to clarify why the housemate was not punished for the comment.
There are potentially a record number of out contestants on the show this year.
Andy West, a former BBC journalist who was suspended for challenging homophobic boxer Tyson Fury, is also in the house.
After Fury was nominated for a BBC award, West was suspended from the BBC after accusing the corporation of “hurting me and other gay people by celebrating someone who considers me no better than a paedophile.”
West left the BBC after the row, saying: “I am ashamed to work for the BBC when it lacks bravery to admit it is making a mistake.”
