User talk:Homer slips.

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This user is a sock puppet of Elspeth Monro, and has been blocked indefinitely.
Please refer to contributions for evidence.

Account information: block log – current autoblocks – edits – logs

Image:Pffffft.gif

Contents

Vandelized.

vn-7 This user talk page has been vandalized 7 times.

--Homer slips. (talk) 08:07, 14 December 2007 (UTC)

Note this and studdy the page history since Febuary.--Homer slips. (talk) 08:07, 14 December 2007 (UTC)

Wankers!

Your all a bunch of WANKERS!--Homer slips. (talk) 08:08, 14 December 2007 (UTC)

Brighton station

Ever been there, the architecture is great. --86.29.255.69 15:53, 8 March 2007 (UTC)


May be in may 2007.--Homer slips. 14:30, 9 March 2007 (UTC)

I have also been there.--86.29.242.170 17:24, 22 March 2007 (UTC)

Catford station

Thanks, I missed that. Simply south User_talk:Simply south 21:16, 23 October 2006 (UTC)

The Holocaust

Hey Homer, thanks for creating the map. :-) SlimVirgin (talk) 06:20, 20 December 2006 (UTC)

Homer, do you by any chance know how to create a copy of this map? It is about to be deleted, and I've been told to find a freely licensed alternative. SlimVirgin (talk) 08:44, 23 December 2006 (UTC)
Thanks for the reply, and sorry for the delay in getting back to you, but I'd overlooked your note until today. I don't quite follow all the instructions, particularly as I use a Mac so I'm not certain what all the equivalents would be, but I'll sure I'll be able to work it out. Many thanks for your help. :-) SlimVirgin (talk) 05:24, 26 December 2006 (UTC)

A computer rain coat mac?--86.25.49.40 00:52, 28 March 2007 (UTC)

Commenting on images for deletion

I've noticed that you've left comments on the talk pages of several images that have been nominated for deletion. The discussions for such deletions actually take place at WP:IFD, which can be accessed through a link on the deletion template on the image's page. You may have to check the date the image was nominated to find the image's entry. Additionally, please keep in mind that images are kept or deleted based on their value to this encyclopedia, not on users' personal opinions of the subject matter. Commenting on the physical attractiveness of the person in a picture does not help toward this goal, and may be construed as a personal attack in some cases.


By the way, I noticed that no one has ever given you a proper welcome to Wikipedia! I've posted a welcome template below. It has many useful links that can help you to learn your way around the place. --Icarus (Hi!) 12:07, 26 December 2006 (UTC)


Is it that if a picture of a brick was orphaned or put up to troll, it would be deleated A.S.A.P.; but if it was an ugly old bloke, it's nomianted, only to be left in limbo because a bloke can sue, unlike a brick. I agree with removing low resalution map images. --Homer slips. 19:56, 26 December 2006 (UTC)

To ad to this, calling the above mentioned brick unesiclopedic and low-res' map obsoleet, unlike the bloke- Bloke sues, brick and map can't so they get scrubbed rather than just removed. --Homer slips. 20:05, 26 December 2006 (UTC)

Great Moravia

Please try to stick strictly to the verbal description in the Great Moravia article text when creating the map (otherwise it is virtually sure that the map will be wrong or outdated, because there are many such maps) Juro 05:35, 27 December 2006 (UTC)


Iraq.

The B.B.C. reported Saddam's death at 3.15, Sky news joined in at 03.17 and Euro-news rounded it up at 03.24. -- -- Homer slips. 03:34, 30 December 2006 (UTC)

Did you see that Sky news footage of the rally in Detroit at 03.18 U.T.C.? A Shi'ite cleric stood on a car leading several dozen joyful, flag-waving, Shi'ite exiles! I hope this will bring a new era of peace, stability and harmony to both Iraq and the Middle east. --Homer slips. 03:51, 30 December 2006 (UTC)


http://news.sky.com/skynews/picture_gallery/picture_gallery/0,,30200-1199436,00.html http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,20990929-601,00.html http://edition.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/meast/12/29/hussein/ http://www.theherald.co.uk/news/77736.shtml http://news.sky.com/skynews/picture_gallery/picture_gallery/0,,30200-1199436,00.html

--Homer slips. 04:58, 30 December 2006 (UTC)

http://www.news.com.au/sundaytelegraph/story/0,,20992732-5001021,00.html --Homer slips. 14:23, 30 December 2006 (UTC)


Thank you

Thank you for the welcome note. --Lilidor 11:26, 4 January 2007 (UTC)

Image:Nearg.PNG listed for deletion

An image or media file that you uploaded or altered, Image:Nearg.PNG, has been listed at Wikipedia:Images and media for deletion. Please look there to see why this is (you may have to search for the title of the image to find its entry), if you are interested in it not being deleted. Thank you. 86.134.44.164 13:10, 16 January 2007 (UTC)

O.K., so he printed a ruse.--Jean kv 14:46, 18 March 2007 (UTC)

It was of such low quality.--86.25.51.168 14:49, 18 March 2007 (UTC)

Image:GRD 1950-2006.PNG listed for deletion

An image or media file that you uploaded or altered, Image:GRD 1950-2006.PNG, has been listed at Wikipedia:Images and media for deletion. Please look there to see why this is (you may have to search for the title of the image to find its entry), if you are interested in it not being deleted. Thank you. 86.136.123.6 09:26, 25 January 2007 (UTC)

Greenland image

Hi Homer slips. I'm sorry to be a pain, but an anon just tried to delete one of your images (the one to the right). They did so claiming that it had spelling errors. It's a lame reason for deleting such a quality image, and someone did the right thing and restored it. However, it does in fact have at least one spelling error ("permanent" is spelt "perminent"). As I notice you generated the image recently, I thought it might be easy for you to regenerate a corrected version. No worries if not. I do feel rather cheeky asking. Cheers, --Plumbago 10:01, 25 January 2007 (UTC)

Images listed for deletion

Some of your images or media files have been listed for deletion. Please see Wikipedia:Images and media for deletion if you are interested in preserving them.

  • Image:Scandinaviax2.PNG
  • Image:Earg.PNG
  • Image:Warg.PNG
  • Image:Massdeportation 2.PNG
  • Image:HIV Epidemx2.PNG

Thank you. 86.136.123.6 17:53, 25 January 2007 (UTC)

O.K., the pictures were deleted.--Homer slips. 12:08, 6 March 2007 (UTC)

My socks!

So all but 1 of my socks are now in the bin. I hate Gophers! I sawan about, sawan upping swans in Swanwick with my swan-hook! "Adyoss!", as they say in Espnolay. It was fun while it lasted! I think I may get the barnstar for having more 'socks' than centipeeds have feet!--Homer slips. 06:02, 30 March 2007 (UTC)

Blocked as a sock. Academic Challenger 07:56, 30 March 2007 (UTC)


The truth on 2007!

thumb|150px|right|The Big Brother logo!

Celebrity Big Brother 2007 was the fifth series of the United Kingdom reality television series Celebrity Big Brother, a spin-off of Big Brother. The series was broadcast on Channel 4 in the UK (also on S4C in Wales), and involved a number of celebrities referred to as 'housemates', who live in the Big Brother House with no contact with the outside world. In recent series, the show's producers have offered celebrities money to appear on Celebrity Big Brother.

Celebrity Big Brother 2007 started on 3 January 2007, "Celebrity Big Brother Launch Night", Channel 4 Press. URL last accessed on 2006-12-08. and ran for 26 days. The launch show peaked at 8.2 million viewers, making it the second most-watched launch in Big Brother history. Viewing Figures The Celebrity Big Brother Show URL last accessed 2007-01-07 It was the first Celebrity Big Brother series to be shown in the 16:9 widescreen format and the final Celebrity series to be held in the Elstree compound with the regular series later in the year being the final one overall. Big Bro's moving house The Sun URL last accessed on 2006-07-23. .

On 16 January 2007 this series had attracted the largest ever number of public complaints to the UK broadcasting watchdog Ofcom about a Big Brother series. "Ofcom probes Big Brother racism", BBC News. URL last accessed on 2007-01-16 The complaints received detailed concerns that housemate Shilpa Shetty had been subjected to bullying, allegedly with undertones of racism. Big Brother:thousands complain", Channel 4 News. URL last accessed on 2007-01-16 As an example, Danielle Lloyd called Shilpa "a dog" and that she should "fuck off home". This sparked widespread anger and demonstrations in India, where the alleged racism was reported on the news, and led Big Brother's main sponsor Carphone Warehouse to suspend its sponsorship of the show. Carphone axes Big Brother deal", Guardian Unlimited. URL last accessed on 2007-01-20 As of January 19, 2007, a Channel 4 spokesman agreed that participants should be made aware of the controversy, probably explaining the recent explanations and apologies tendered by the housemates and their complete lack of surprise after learning about the latest eviction. [[1]]

As in earlier series, Davina McCall presented the main Channel 4 show. Dermot O'Leary presented Celebrity Big Brother's Little Brother and Celebrity Big Brother's Big Brain. Russell Brand presented Celebrity Big Brother's Big Mouth. Celebrity Big Brother Diary Room Uncut, "Celebrity Big Brother's Big Brain", Channel 4's official Big Brother site. URL last accessed on 2007-01-04. and live streaming also returned on the Official Channel 4 website and also on E4 at selected times.

On 28 January 2007, Shetty was voted the winner of Celebrity Big Brother 2007 with 63% of the final vote. Channel 4 - Celebrity Big Brother, 28 January 2007

The setting

House plan with the House Next Door highlighted.
House plan with the House Next Door highlighted.

The general layout of the House was largely untouched from the previous non-celebrity series. The living room and bedroom had no noticeable changes. There were several single beds in the same room, with one double bed, meaning that two housemates (Leo & Donny) had to share. The bathroom is much smaller than previous versions and the toilet and shower were no longer fitted with cameras. The dining room table was moved inside, and the kitchen fully equipped with modern conveniences. Outside the garden was a three-jet hot tub with a farmyard seating area. The bridge to Nowhere was still present, leading to a sitting area with heated seats and the topiary man. A workout area was situated just off the kitchen area. Inside the House there was also a fax machine built into the wall. On day 24 this was used to post viewers' questions to the housemates. [Questions, Questions] Channel Four's Official Big Brother Website. URL last accessed on 2007-01-26. Meanwhile, the Diary Room was identical to the previous summer's Big Brother, with an oversized gold chair and padded walls, the only change being the addition of yellow lights facing the walls. The House Next Door was used again, and its interior was re-designed to resemble a Victorian style kitchen, with uncomfortable beds in the bedroom, for use in the master-and-servant task.

Eleven housemates entered the Celebrity Big Brother house on Day 1 followed by three more housemates on Day 3. This was more than any other celebrity series to date (the regular series in 2006 has had fourteen housemates enter on Day 1). The housemates in Celebrity Big Brother 2007 were (in alphabetical order by first name):

Carole Malone

Carole Malone (born 14 October 1954) is a columnist for the Sunday Mirror. She starred in the 2006 series of Celebrity Fit Club on ITV. On Day 2 Carole broke Big Brother rules by discussing nominations with Shilpa and Cleo. Confirmed by Dermot O'Leary on the January 5, 2007 edition of Big Brother's Little Brother Carole was a servant during the Master and Servant task. Carole was put up for eviction after being unanimously chosen between her and Cleo by her fellow housemates to face the public vote as punishment for discussing nominations. Carole was evicted on Day 10. Carole has revealed that her real age is in fact 52 and not 47. "Malone evicted from Big Brother", BBC News. URL last accessed on 2007-01-12.

Cleo Rocos

Cleo Rocos (born July 24, 1962 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) is a comic actress who appeared on The Kenny Everett Television Show. Cleo has developed a maternal role in the house and tends to look after the younger housemates and do such things as cook and clean for them, which was first pointed out by Ian and Jo on Day 2. Phew! Hot Mamma Channel 4's official Big Brother site. URL last accessed on 2007-01-05 On Day 2, Cleo broke Big Brother rules by discussing nominations with Shilpa and Carole.[1] As punishment, the rest of the housemates (except Carole but including Shilpa) were made to vote unanimously on who should face the public vote. Cleo was not chosen. Cleo was a servant during the Master and Servant task. In battle of the tribute bands she was in Jermaine's group as a member of the Jackson 5, the group won. She was evicted on Day 24, along with Jo.

Danielle Lloyd

Danielle Lloyd (born Liverpool, 16 December 1983) is an English model and former Miss Great Britain (2006), stripped of her title for dating a panel judge, footballer Teddy Sheringham, and posing for Playboy. Danielle was a servant during the Master and Servant task. She was accused of racist bullying of her fellow house mate Shilpa Shetty, along with Jade Goody and Jo O'Meara. Danielle eventually finished 5th on final night. Lloyd garnered significant negative publicity when thousands of complaints were filed with Ofcom after she, Jade Goody and Jo O'Meara, dubbed "The Witches (or Bitches) of Elstree" were accused of bullying and making racist remarks towards their fellow house mate, Bollywood star Shilpa Shetty.

Specific comments Lloyd has made about Shetty include "She's a dog" and "They eat with their hands in India, don't they – or is that China? You don't know where her hands have been." [[2]] [|title=Big Brother: Thousands complain] [[3]]. In another outburst, Lloyd said "do you get stubble?" [[4]] On 17 January 2007 Lloyd said Shetty should "fuck off home", adding that "she can't even speak English properly". [[5]]Also, after a similar comment by Goody, Lloyd laughed and said to Goody: "That was fucking fantastic, I loved it' I think she should fuck off home." http://media.guardian.co.uk/site/story/0,,1993135,00.html?gusrc=rss&feed

Lloyd's aunt directly accused her of racism, adding "It was disgusting the way Danielle treated Shilpa. I'm surprised Big Brother didn't throw her out of the house." [[6]]

Dirk Benedict

Dirk Benedict (born March 1, 1945) is an American actor who played Face in The A-Team and Starbuck in the original Battlestar Galactica. Dirk made a unique entrance to the house by arriving via (a replica of) The A-Team van, smoking a cigar and with the theme tune playing in the background. A memorable moment occurred a few minutes after he arrived in the house, when a drunk Donny said "It's Dirk fucking Benedict", to which Dirk responded "I seldom use my middle name". Dirk made no secret of his attraction to Shilpa, even saying that he would marry her in a moment, although his attention and flirting with her was light hearted and not excessive. On Day 2 a comic feel surrounded Dirk as Shilpa learned to pronounce his name. [[7]] Dirk finished third.

Despite his obvious affection for Shilpa, Dirk Benefict has been erroniusly accused of racism and will be interviewed by the police. Newspaper reports have quoted him as saying, "There are millions of Indians. Millions. And they’re breeding fast. They are having four or five kids when the Brits are having one. The average British woman has 1.3 children and the Indians are having 3.5. The Brits, the natural-born, are already in a minority. There will be a Nehru as Prime Minister soon.” [[8]]

Donny Tourette

Donny Tourette is the lead singer of Towers of London, a punk rock band from London. He staggered into the house in a drunken state and instantly breached Big Brother rules when his stash of alcohol was removed from his suitcase. "Donny argues with Big Brother when his alcohol is confiscated from his suitcase..", Channel 4's official Big Brother site. URL last accessed on 2007-01-04. Donny escaped from the Big Brother House on 5 January 2007 by climbing over the garden wall in the House Next Door with the help of 'H' from Steps, "Singer escapes from Big Brother", BBC News. URL last accessed on 2007-01-07. saying "I'm not waiting hand on foot on some fucking moron and her family", referring to Jade Goody, as he climbed over. His clothes and belongings were left in the diary room by a fellow contestant.

Ian "H" Watkins

Ian "H" Watkins (born May 8, 1976) is a Welsh actor and was previously a member of the pop group Steps. He came out as gay to The Sun on the same day as he entered the house. Housemate 9: Ian H Watkins. The Sun (2007-01-04). Retrieved on 2007-01-05. I Was The Only Gay In The Village. Ian Watkins Official website (2007-01-03). Retrieved on 2007-01-05. Although he was known as the fence-sitter and, along with Jermaine, the peace maker, he could see that Shilpa was being bullied by Jade, Danielle and Jo and at one point locked himself in the toilet in tears over the divide in the House. He finished fourth.

Jack Tweed

Jack Andrew Tweed (born July 7, 1987 in Waltham Cross, Hertfordshire) is Jade Goody's boyfriend. He entered the House on 2007-01-05 as a member of Jade's family. He was a master during the Master and Servant task. Jack left school at the age of 16, to become an electrician like his father, however, he soon changed career to male modelling. He is currently training to be a footballers' agent. He has courted controversy over his "fucking cunt" comment (which was bleeped and then subsequently reported as "fucking paki") and suggested that Shilpa remove objects from the toilet with her teeth. When Jade apologised to Shilpa (on day 16), Jack confessed that he was very disappointed with Jade for apologising to her and called Shilpa a “Dick”. He also previously described Shilpa as a "wanker". Following Jade's eviction he has spent more time with former Miss Great Britain Danielle Lloyd, who is said to be flirting with Jack and told him "I love you" when she was drunk. Celebrity Big Brother: Danielle enjoys a Jack-uzzi The Sun Online, accessed 2007-01-22 . It was alleged that before either of them were famous, Tweed had a relationship with Big Brother 7 star Nikki Grahame, however this ended before Tweed dated Goody or Grahame entered the house. Grant Hodgson (2006-06-25). JADE'S JACK SWEPT SHE HAD A MASSIVE. The Sunday Mirror. Retrieved on 2007-02-04. In May 2007, Endemol released previously withheld material in which O'Meara, Tweed and Goody constructed a limerick which was based around, although it did not directly use, the word "paki", instead replacing the racist slur for the word "tacky".

Jackiey Budden

Jackiey Budden (born April 1958) is Jade Goody's mother and entered the house on Friday January 5 as part of Jade's family. Jackiey was a master during the Master and Servant task. Jackiey caused a slight stir in the house, and upset both her daughter Jade and fellow housemates Shilpa and Ken with her demanding attitude and garrulous personality. Mum's the Word Channel 4's official Big Brother site URL last accessed 2007-01-06 She was unable to correctly pronounce Shilpa's name, so instead referred to her as "Princess" and "The Indian". On Day 8, Jackiey became the first housemate to be evicted from the Big Brother house in a surprise eviction; Jackiey left the house via the diary room and was unable to say goodbye to her fellow housemates. There was no crowd present at Jackiey's eviction and she left the house without any shoes.

Jade Goody

Jade Goody (born June 5, 1981) entered the house on Friday January 5. Jade first rose to fame when she appeared in the third UK series of Big Brother and since then has gone on to have a successful career in the media industry. On 5 January 2007 Goody, her mother Jackiey Budden, and her boyfriend Jack Tweed entered the Big Brother House for Celebrity Big Brother 2007. Due to a task set for them, they became 'masters' of the house along with three others, while the rest of the housemates were made to act as servants to them. As a result of this fellow housemate Donny Tourette left early by scaling over the wall, saying "Mate, I'm out of here. I'm not fucking waiting hand and foot on some fucking moron and her family. I'm out." The good life. Radio Times. BBC Magazines Ltd (2007-01-08). Retrieved on 2007-01-27. On 7 January 2007, Ken Russell asked to leave the house after arguing with Goody and her family. In a statement he said: "I don't want to live in a society riddled with evil and hatred". "The Jade Goody phenomenon", The Independent, Independent News & Media, 2007-01-09. Retrieved on 2007-05-20.  On the same day, Goody's grandparents entered the Big Brother house for a meal and left shortly after. Goody Goody Grandparents. Channel 4 (2007-01-07). Retrieved on 2007-01-27. Jade was a master during the Master and Servant task. Jade was at the centre of a bullying controversy against fellow housemate Shilpa Shetty. The Act Against Bullying charity branded her behaviour as "unforgivable". Big Brother 'racism' complaints flood in to watchdog. entertainment.timesonline.co.uk. Retrieved on 17 January 2007. Among Jade's comments were: "I've seen how she goes in and out of people's arseholes", Row on, but Shilpa still suffers. CNN-IBN News (2007-01-17). Retrieved on 2007-01-28. as well as suggesting Shetty "makes [her] skin crawl". Has Jade Lost It?. Sky Showbiz (2007-01-18). Retrieved on 2007-01-28. She also referred to Shetty as 'Shilpa Poppadom'. Celeb BB: Jade calls housemate 'Shilpa Poppadom'. Manchester Evening News (2007-01-18). Retrieved on 2007-01-28. She was evicted on Day 17, Big Brother producers and Endemol had decided not to have a live crowd present nor the usual press conference to enable them to brief Jade Goody on the recent racism allegations. It is widely suspected she was evicted due to her alleged racist comments made towards fellow contestant Shilpa Shetty. I'm not racist, says TV's Goody. BBC (2007-01-20). Retrieved on 2007-01-20. Shilpa Shetty has said that she has forgiven Jade various times[citation needed]

Jo O'Meara

Jo O'Meara (born April 29, 1979) was previously a member of the pop group S Club 7 and a former contestant on Just the Two of Us. She also had a brief solo career before pursuing a career in dog breeding. O'Meara was a servant during the 'Master and Servant' task. She has come in for criticism for her ganging up with Jade Goody, Danielle Lloyd, and others on fellow housemate Shilpa Shetty, who has been subjected to bullying in the house, despite maintaining that she and Shetty are friends. After a particularly nasty verbal attack on Shilpa by Jade, witnessed by a giggling Jo and Danielle, Jo said that the verbal attack had made her day and that she felt a lot better for it. She was evicted on Day 24, along with Cleo. When betting opened,Jo O'Mera was favourite to win. Celebrity Big Brother UK Betting. Gambling911. Retrieved on 2007-01-27.

Since leaving the house Jo has apparently slipped into depression and attempted suicide.

Ken Russell

Ken Russell (born July 3, 1927) is an English director of such films as The Music Lovers, The Devils, The Boy Friend, Lisztomania, and Tommy, and at age 79 was the oldest male contestant in the programme's history. Since entering the house Ken prevented many of the other housemates from sleeping due to his excessive snoring. Danielle informed Ken of his snoring on Day 3 which led to many of the housemates pondering over a solution. Shut That Snore! Channel 4's official Big Brother site. URL last accessed on 2007-01-05 On Day 5 at 14:55, he voluntarily left the house after arguing with new housemate Jade Goody and her family.[2]

Leo Sayer

Leo Sayer (born May 21, 1948) is a singer who had success in the 1970s with hits such as "You Make Me Feel Like Dancing", "Moonlighting" and "Thunder In My Heart". Leo found it difficult to sleep on his first night in the house as he was forced to share a bed with Donny who was naked, a prospect that Leo found uncomfortable. "Leo struggles to sleep", Channel 4's official Big Brother site. URL last accessed on 2007-01-04. Leo was a servant during the Master and Servant task. He reverted to mime communication and decided to take a vow of silence, much to the confusion and annoyance of the other housemates. You Make Me Feel Like Miming Channel 4's official Big Brother site URL last accessed 2007-01-07 Leo escaped from the house by breaking open a fire door with a broom after hitting a two-way mirror on Day 10 when Big Brother refused to provide him with clean underwearLeo's Dash for Freedom", Channel 4's official Big Brother site. URL last accessed on 2007-01-12. It was revealed later that he had overlooked clean underwear in his suitcase. He was at the time up for eviction and, though he did not know it, leading the poll.

Shilpa Shetty

Shilpa Shetty.
Shilpa Shetty.

Shilpa Shetty (born June 8, 1975) is an award winning Indian actress and an active AIDS and PETA campaigner. Her native language is Tulu, but she can also speak English. "Will Big Brother boost Shilpa?", BBC News. URL last accessed 2007-02-08. Thousands of complaints have been entered to Big Brother suggesting Shilpa has been verbally abused by the other housemates. Police proceedings have concluded with no further action being taken. Shilpa won Celebrity Big Brother 2007. Big Brother's organisers reportedly paid Rs.31.5m (£367,500 GBP) for her participation.

Jermaine Jackson

Jermaine Jackson (born December 11, 1954, also known as Muhammed Abdul Aziz) is an American R&B singer, former member of The Jackson 5 and brother of pop stars Michael Jackson and Janet Jackson. On the launch show, Davina revealed that Jermaine's favourite tube line was the Central Line. In the house several of the housemates have commented that Jermaine is very shy and they are therefore finding difficulty in attempting to converse with him. No Action Jackson Channel 4's official Big Brother site. URL last accessed on 2007-01-05 Jermaine finished second. Jade's 'not white trash' - Jermaine. AOL UK (2007-02-06). Retrieved on 2007-02-06.

Notes.

  • When Jade, Jack, and Jackiey entered the house they became "masters" along with Jermaine, Ken, and Shilpa. The other eight housemates were chosen to be their "servants" and moved to the House Next Door. It was revealed that the masters are automatically nominated for eviction in which the viewers are to vote which housemates to save, rather than evicted. Therefore, the housemate with the least number of votes is evicted. Donny, who was originally a servant, left the house on Day 3. On Day 5, Ken voluntarily left after being involved in arguments with housemates.
  • Carole and Cleo were banned from nominating as a punishment for discussing nominations earlier. Additionally, housemates had to choose one of them to face the public vote. "Housemates to nominate today", Digital Spy. URL last accessed 2007-01-11. They chose Carole. "The Punishment Fits the Crime", Channel Four's Official Big Brother Website. URL last accessed 2007-01-11. On Day 10, Leo escaped the house.[3]
  • The nominations were cast on Day 15 and announced on Day 16. The voting package was delayed and only shown at the end of Big Brother's Big Mouth where it was also revealed that all Channel 4's profits for this vote will go to charity.
  • There was a double eviction on Day 24 and therefore the three or more housemates were placed up for the public vote rather than the two or more housemates. The voting lines originally opened on Day 22 but were reset on Day 23 due to an error which stated that viewers were to vote to save Shilpa when they were in fact voting to evict. Viewers who had voted before the lines were reset were offered a full refund with all unclaimed money and profits from the vote being donated to charity Voting Reset & Refund Information Channel Four's Official Big Brother Website. URL last accessed 2007-01-26
  • There were no nominations in the final two days and instead the public were voting for the housemate they wished to win rather than evict. The housemates coming 5th and 6th were evicted together in a double eviction.

Accusations of racism and bullying

Image:Jadedanshilpa.jpg
Jade Goody (left) and Danielle Lloyd (centre) confront Shilpa Shetty (right).

Celebrity Big Brother criticism focussed around the treatment of housemate Shilpa Shetty by contestants Jade Goody, Jo O'Meara and Danielle Lloyd.

UK media regulator Ofcom received more than 50,000 complaints [[9]] [[10]][[11]]A record number for a British television programme after transmission. Channel 4 received an additional 3,000 complaints, [[12]] "Channel 4 denies Brother 'racism'", BBC News. URL last accessed on 2007-01-17. about racism and bullying by housemates against Shetty. The Eastern Eye newspaper launched an online petition that registered over 30,000 signatures. Online petition "Racism, ratings and reality TV", Guardian Unlimited, URL last accessed on 2007-01-18 Channel 4 initially described the situation as "girly rivalry" but later admitted there had "undoubtedly been a cultural clash between her and three of the British females in the house".BBC News| [[13]]

More than 45,000 complaints were received by broadcasting regulator Ofcom about racial bullying directed towards Indian housemate Shilpa Shetty by Jade Goody, Danielle Lloyd, Jack Tweed and Jo O'Meara.The accusations were based on the following actions:

  • Jade Goody's mother, Jackiey Budden, repeatedly referred to Shilpa as "the Indian" or "Princess" while she was on the show because, according to her, she was unable to pronounce Shilpa's name. [[14]] However, during her eviction interview, Davina coerced Jackiey into saying "Shilpa" and Jackiey pronounced it properly, although a bit agitated.
  • Jack Tweed, Jade's boyfriend, called Shilpa Shetty a "fucking [expletive]", with the bleeped-out expletive variously reported as "cunt" [[15]]

[[16]]

  • Jo implied that all Indians were thin because they were always ill as a result of undercooking their food because she believed Shilpa undercooked a chicken mealHow the Big Brother row erupted", BBC, URL last accessed on 2007-01-17
  • After an argument between Shilpa and Jade, witnessed by a giggling Jo and Danielle, Danielle said she thought Shilpa should "just fuck off home. She can't even speak English." "Shilpa Shetty's tormentor kicked off reality TV show", Reuters.com, URL last accessed on 2006-02-03 She also mentioned to Jo that she didn't like Shilpa touching her food because "you don't know where her hands have been". The next morning, Danielle spoke to Shilpa about the situation, but did not apologise. During the conversation in the bedroom, Jade entered, sat in front of Danielle, blocking out Shilpa, and began doing makeup. As Shilpa left, Danielle told Jade that she "tried apologising to her". Later Danielle made an awkward attempt to apologize by saying "I feel really bad, I feel disgusted with myself the way I've treated you and the way I've acted, because I'm not like that, Shilpa, really," ... "And you can even cook me curry and you can pick the onions out with your fingers." [[17]]
  • Jade referred to Shilpa as, among other things, 'Shilpa Popadom', 'Shilpa Durupa' and 'Shilpa Fuckawala'. She later said she had done this with no intention of racism. Commenting on this in the Diary Room, she apologised if her actions had offended anybody

[[18]][[19]]


In May 2007, Endemol released previously withheld material in which Goody, along with other housemates, constructed a limerick which was based around, although it did not directly use, the word "paki", instead replacing the racist slur for the word "tacky". [Brother: the missing footage]

  • Even after Jade apologised to Shilpa (On day 16), Jack continued to abuse Shilpa. Jack confessed that he was very disappointed with Jade for apologising to Shilpa, and called Shilpa a "dick". He previously described Shilpa as a "wanker" and a prick. [[20]]

The three girls under most scrutiny for racist accusations — Goody, Lloyd and O'Meara — repeatedly stated, amongst each other and the other housemates, that they feel Shilpa is a 'fake' and a 'loser'. [[21]]

During her stay in the house, Goody was accused of repeditvly racially bullying Indian housemate Shilpa Shetty [[[http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200701/s1830403.htm] [[22]] [[23]] A number of complaints were received by British broadcasting regulator Ofcom about the behaviour of Jo O'Meara, Danielle Lloyd and Goody towards Shetty. [|publisher=BBC News] [[24]] [[25]] [[26]]


Social commentator and former Celebrity Big Brother contestant Germaine Greer believes that the racial overtones are actually examples of stupidity .[[27]] She wrote "I can switch Shilpa off. The people in the house with her haven't got that option. The problem is that most of the housemates are too dim to convey what a pain in the ass Shilpa is without appearing to persecute her!"< As a result of the controversy, some Asian journalists have suggested that Goody has opened a wider racism debate within UK society. Tommy Nagra, ex-head of the BBC's Asian programming unit, has said that the subsequent public debate surrounding Goody's, Danielle Lloyd's and Jo O'Meara's actions "can only be a positive thing". Their behaviour created an international outcry gaining heavy coverage in the Indian media. Gordon Brown, the British Chancellor of the Exchequer visiting India at the time, condemned the programme on the grounds that he was against anything which might damage the perception that Britain is a country of tolerance. {{cite news [[28]] In a statement on 17 January, Channel 4 defended the programme against charges "of overt racism or racial abuse". [[29]]To date there has been no overt racial abuse or racist behaviour directed against Shilpa Shetty within the Big Brother house.

On 1 February, several British media outlets began reporting additional claims that Shilpa had in fact been called a "fucking Paki" by a housemate, although it is unclear whether this is believed to be the aforementioned incident involving Jack. In another instance, Shilpa is reported to have been the subject of a 'limerick', improvised by one of the housemates, which began "there was a young girl from Bombay" and ended "this house was happy, until we got that fucking Paki". These claims allegedly come from an Endemol employee who was interviewed the previous day by Hertfordshire police and who provided them with a hand-written "production running-order", intended for Dermot O'Leary, the back of which details these episodes as well as noting "there ARE dodgy clips, we are fucked". Police were said to have demanded unedited footage of these alleged incidents from Endemol, who confidently denied the claims and refused to hand over any footage. [[30]] [[31]]

The CPS have now decided not to bring criminal charges against anyone nor to pursue unbroadcast footage through the courts. The informant has not come forward to have his/her claims tested.


A Channel 4 spokeswoman admitted Big Brother had intervened in the latest row - but only to make contestants "realise that what they have said has been misconstrued in the house". The idea, she said, was to allow the housemates "to explain themselves" to their fellow contestants. [[32]] This was followed by a series of apologies by the housemates to Shilpa and a declaration by her that she did not believe Jade was racist. Also Jade said inside the house before she left: "I know why there's no noise." When Shilpa asked "Why?" Jade replied: "I know, but I can't tell you. In an interview with the Daily Star, Jade admitted that, during her final hours in the Channel 4 house, Big Brother had revealed that her abuse of Shilpa had ruined her own "girl-next-door" image. [[33]]

Viewership

Celebrity Big Brother's launch show (aired on 2007-01-03) averaged 7.1 million viewers, Donna Watson, "BB RATINGS CONTINUE SLIDE", The Daily Record, 2007-01-09. Retrieved on 2007-01-09. and ratings fell to 3.9 million by 2007-01-07. The Association Press Limited, "Jade blamed for tumbling Celeb BB ratings", Tiscali, 2007-01-08. Retrieved on 2007-01-09. Ratings quickly rose as media coverage reported alleged racism towards Shilpa Shetty from fellow female contestants; the episode that aired on 2007-01-16 saw a ratings boost with the show sharing 18% of the available audience and ratings of 4.5 million viewers, [[34]] As the episode aired on the 2007-01-17 is predicted to be Celebrity Big Brother's top ratings grabber. The episode the following night also rose in ratings, as 5.2 million people viewed the episode. The ratings once again rose on Jade's eviction night to an average of 7.8 million viewers [[35]] and a peak of 8.8 million viewers, which were the highest viewing figures in Celebrity Big Brother's history [[36]]and second for any Big Brother show after the Big Brother 3 finale, which landed a record 10 million viewers. Trivia for "Big Brother". Internet Movie Database.

Post incident reaction

Trevor Phillips, Chair of the Commission for Equality and Human Rights, said "What we are seeing is a noxious brew of old-fashioned class conflict, straightforward bullying, ignorance and quite vicious racial bigotry. It is outrageous, and it is unpleasant". [[37]] It was also understood that the General public resented Shilpa being called a "tacky", which was racist; but regarded a clash of classes as inevitable due to Jade's humbler background and up bringing.


Jo became the fourth housemate to be evicted from the show, leaving the house on Friday January 26 in a surprise double eviction, along with fellow contestant Cleo Rocos.

In her eviction interview with Davina McCall Jo did not apologise for her comments and behaviour towards Shilpa Shetty, claiming she had done nothing wrong, a stance which she would continue to take in subsequent interviews. O'Meara also claimed that imitating her accent wasnt necessarily racist as Shilpa herself had laughed at Jo's imitation of her accent.

Her former housemate, Jade, disagreed with Jo's statement that she had done nothing wrong: "She's done everything wrong. She's made big mistakes;" and Jo's sister Julie admitted: "Jo should be very disappointed with herself." [[38]]

In a subsequent interview with GMTV which aired on Tuesday January 30, 2007 O'Meara apologised for her behaviour, but denied that she had been a bully or a racist while in the house, "I couldn't use those words. My cousins are actually of a different race and to use those sort of words, it would make me sick. I haven't got a racist bone in my body and I'm not a bully". She blamed poor editing by the show's producers (although this claim is undermined by the fact that the show was shown as a live feed on sister channel E4) and misquotation in interviews by national newspapers (especially the Mirror article) following the Celebrity Big Brother final, for contributing to her already-ruined image. She revealed she has not returned home due to unspecified death threats and concerns over her safety and was suffering from nervous exhaustion. She also revealed that her reason for entering the house was to help save her home, which had been threatened with repossession. [[39]].

In February 2007, the News of the World reported that O'Meara attempted to commit suicide and was "rushed to hospital" by friends. [[40]]. In an interview with Heat magazine (3-9 March 2007) she denied any intention to commit suicide as it would hurt her family but admitted heavy weight loss due to stress. She was also reported to be facing bankruptcy after her home was remortgaged for £200,000 without her knowledge and £200,000 went missing from her savings after apparently being a victim of a con scam. Media reports at the time suggested her house was in imminent danger of being repossessed. [[41]] [[42]] A newspaper interview made before Celebrity Big Brother, from November 2006, revealed Danielle Lloyd's anti-immigration views: "If I was (a politician), I'd get more people into work and stop people coming into the country. There's so many people who come into England because they know they can get benefits. People who already live here should get the jobs".

Currently her own reaction appears to be open to further question. Whereas her fellow Housemate, Jade Goody, had to face the consequences of her actions, Danielle, with support from newspapers such as the Daily Star, has done what some pundits predicted Jade would do: two days after her eviction she told the Daily Star that she was bullied as a child, described how this impacted on her adult life, and also revealed that she and Jade were no longer friends.

On 19 January, Goody was evicted from the Big Brother house when she received 82% of the vote. It has been alleged that Channel 4, in contradiction with their own rules (which have been changed to include extended rules against racism) , told Goody hours before her eviction that her behaviour within the house had damaged her 'girl next door' reputation.[4] Channel 4 at first denied this was the case,[5] but later statements and Ofcom's report reveal that interventions had occurred, but only to make contestants "realise that what they have said has been misconstrued in the house". The idea, a Channel 4 spokesman said, was to allow the housemates "to explain themselves" to their fellow inmates. [[43]] For the sake of Goody's personal security]] and state of mind, Big Brother makers Endemol banned crowds and press from gathering outside the house to greet Goody and cancelled a press conference with her. [[44]]

In an interview following her eviction, Jade admitted[[45]] "My Race Slurs Were So Wrong and I Hate Myself". [[46]] She also admited there was racial bullying in the Big Brother house, but stated that she was not a racist person[[47]] Among Goody's comments were: "I've seen how she goes in and out of people's arseholes", [[48]] as well as suggesting Shetty "makes [her] skin crawl". [[49]] During a back-biting moment "alone" with Danielle, Jade referred to Shilpa, whose surname she did not know, as 'Shilpa Daroopa, Shilpa Fuckawala, Shilpa Poppadom' and later imitated her Indian accent. [[50]]

PR Guru Max Clifford, who has since been hired by Shilpa, stated that Goody now faces an "uphill struggle" to rescue her career, and that "Ironically, the programme that made her could be the programme that breaks her." An editorial in tabloid newspaper The Sun said Goody's previous image was "a meticulously manufactured lie. [Goody] had shown herself to be a vile, pig-ignorant, racist bully consumed by envy." [[51]]. Columnist and TV Presenter Lorraine Kelly said she hoped Goody would "now disappear into obscurity. There really has to be an end to the celebration of stupidity and ignorance."[6] Caitlin Moran, writing in The Times, described Jade Goody as "Britain's pet chav". "They're in Big Bother", The Times, Times Newspapers Limited, 2007-04-20. Retrieved on 2007-01-28.  Goody's grandmother Jacqueline, 69, said: "What she said to Shilpa was unforgivable. Her dad was mixed race and her grandfather black. They’d be ashamed."[[52]]. Mayor of London Ken Livingstone told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "I think everyone is delighted that we got the result we did last night. Otherwise the image of Britain across India, which is the second-biggest investor in London after America now, would have been really damaged and it would have done a lot of harm to people's jobs."[6]


Goody met with her PR and agent before being briefed on questions for her interview with BB host Davina McCall. Their TV chat was then filmed half an hour before it was screened [[53]] [[54]] Goody said her behaviour towards the Bollywood star had been the biggest mistake of her life and she said she is concerned about her family receiving abuse from the public. Goody said she needed psychological help and that she would only have herself to blame if it spelt the end of her career.[[55]]

In all of her post Celebrity Big Brother interviews, Goody has promised to donate her £50,000 fee from CBB and her £50,000 interview fee from the News of the World plus any other fees gained as a result of CBB to charity causes nominated by her and Shetty. She reportedly explained, "I don't want to make a penny from this. I don't want it. I don't want money from something that is wrong. I'm going to give it all to charity One tabloid newspaper reported that Goody's agent John Noel (also the agent of Davina McCall, the Big Brother presenter[[56]] planned to sign up Shetty for deals worth over £1 million when she left the BB house. It was suggested he would stage-manage a reunion between Goody and Shetty.[7] More recently, however, "The Guardian understands that the Shetty family has now appointed the celebrity publicist Max Clifford to represent Shilpa." [[57]] Goody claimed she had been extended an "open" invitation to visit India by the India Tourism Office to clear her misconceptions about the country. The office took out a full-page advertisement in British newspapers during the Big Brother furore "welcoming" her to India to "experience" its "healing nature" and to "cleanse your stresses away." It was regarded as a joke until Goody decided to apply for an Indian visa immediately after being evicted from the show. Suroor, Hasan (2007-01-27). Green signal for Jade Goody. The Hindu. Retrieved on 2007-01-27. After a number of problems obtaining a visa Jade finally made a "private visit" to India with a camera crew.

Media reaction

Wikinews

Various media outlets initially characterized the issue as 'girlish rivalry' Girlish Rivalry. With and Without (2007-01-26). Retrieved on 2007-01-26. but later blamed it on bullying and racism. As time progressed, the majority of media coverage on Goody became negative, although accusations of racism were superseded by those of bullying. An editorial published by The Daily Mirror on 18 January 2007 called Beauty V Bigot deplored what they referred to as "disgraceful racist bullying of Big Brother's Shilpa Shetty" and criticised Channel 4 management for maintaining that there wasn't a racial element to the bullying. BEAUTY V BIGOT. The Daily Mirror (2007-01-18). Retrieved on 2007-01-18. The British tabloids mostly concentrated on the comments made by Goody, rather than those made by Jack, Danielle and Jo towards Shilpa, as well as the bullying from them. For instance, when Jade and Shilpa were arguing over Oxo cubes, Shilpa pleaded with Jo for assistance by saying “Jo, I mean, are you going to say something here what is happening here?” to which Jo responded by bursting out laughing. Jermaine later said "when all this was going on I saw Danielle and Jo laughing and then branded them as “the allies”."

This controversy has generated over 300 newspaper articles in Britain, 1,200 in English language newspapers around the globe, 3,900 foreign language news articles, and 22,000 blog postings on the internet. Alan Cowell (2007-01-21). Racial Subplot on British ‘Big Brother’ Grabs Nation and Ratings. The New York Times. Retrieved on 2007-01-21.

Vanni Treves, Channel 4's former chairman, urged the station to cancel the show.[8]Yet the chances of this are unlikely as Big Brother is Channel 4's biggest money-spinner, accounting for around seven per cent of its total £800 million advertising income.[8]

Political reaction

Leicester East MP Keith Vaz has tabled an Early Day Motion with parliament addressing this issue, BBC article about the Early Day Motion while, the then Chancellor of the Exchequer, Gordon Brown has condemned the attacks.[58] Tony Blair refused to comment on the issue as he has not been watching the show, although he did condemn racism in all its forms. The government of India has stated that it will take "action as required". Asian News International, "Govt. will take "action as required" on Shilpa Shetty controversy: Anand Sharma", Yahoo! News 2007-01-15. Retrieved on 2007-01-20.

London mayor Ken Livingstone weighed in on the controversy by stating "The racism towards Shilpa Shetty on Celebrity Big Brother is completely unacceptable." He went on to accuse the producers of the program of selectively editing the show "to broadcast participants' racist comments". [[59]]

In an interview with Commission for Equality and Human Rights chairman Trevor Phillips, broadcast on BBC One on 21 January, Channel 4 chairman Luke Johnson was held accountable for what Phillips termed as 'failing to deal properly with the crisis'. Phillips has suggested Johnson should "make clear that they got it wrong" and admit that "they intervened too little too late". He also suggested that Channel 4 should not profit from the series, giving all of the money to charity. If this fails to happen it has been suggested, by Phillips, that further action could be taken by the culture secretary and Johnson's job could be under threat. [[60]]

Trevor Phillips, head of the Commission for Equality and Human Rights, said "What we are seeing is a noxious brew of old-fashioned class conflict, straightforward bullying, ignorance and quite vicious racial bigotry,". He doubted events on Celebrity Big Brother were part of a broader problem [[61]]

Eventuly Tony Blair and Gorgon Brown were dragged into TV racism row. [[62]] In an official statement, Channel 4 denied that overt racial abuse or behaviour had been directed at Shetty, but acknowledged that a "cultural and class clash" was responsible for the disputes.[9] The controversy is ongoing, with OFCOM issuing a ruling that Channel 4 were guilty of broadcasting racist material, and requiring them to make multiple apologies on air during the next Big Brother season.

The row then escalated into an international diplomatic incident after a formal complaint from Indian Minister of State for External Affairs Anand Sharma lodged a complaint to British PM Tony Blair that threatened to sour relations and damage trade between the two countries.


This behaviour also created an international outcry gaining heavy coverage in the Indian media. Gordon Brown, the British Chancellor of the Exchequer visiting India at the time, condemned the programme on the grounds that he is against anything which might damage the perception that the United Kingdom is a country of tolerance. "Big Brother row goes global", The Guardian, January 17, 2007. In a statement on January 17 Channel 4 defended the programme against charges "of overt racism or racial abuse". BBC News - Channel 4 denies Brother 'racism'

In response to the alleged racism being directed at actress Shetty in the Big Brother House, protesters took to the streets in India and burned effigies of the show's organisers. The Indian Government also plans to raise the issue with the British Government. [[63]] India Tourism Office has extended an "invitation" to Jade Goody, to visit India and experience its "healing nature." [Abusive Jade invited to India to cleanse inner self]

Ecanomic, sponsorial and corporate backlash

On 18 January, The Carphone Warehouse suspended its sponsorship of Celebrity Big Brother with immediate effect over the alleged racism. This does not however, entitle the Carphone Warehouse to recoup prepaid sponsorship monies, therefore causing minimal financial damage to Channel 4.[[64]] The company's chief executive, Charles Dunstone, said in a statement:

"Our concern has rapidly mounted about the broadcast behaviour of individuals within the Big Brother house. 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. As a result we feel that as long as this continues we are unable to associate our brand with the programme. We had already made it clear to Channel 4 that were this to continue, we would have to consider our position. Nothing we saw last night gave us any comfort. Accordingly we have instructed Channel 4 to remove our sponsorship name and branding with immediate effect." [[65]] Fragrance chain The Perfume Shop announced they are to withdraw Jade Goody's brand of perfume, Shh..., from their stores. James Welsh, "Perfume Shop drops Jade's "Shh"", Digital Spy, 2007-01-18. Retrieved on 2007-01-20. Pharmacy chain Boots and Debenhams department stores followed suit and also pulled the perfume from their shelves. {{cite web [[66]] [[67]] HarperCollins has canceled plans to publish the paperback version of Jade Goody's autobiography. The book, titled "Jade: My Autobiography" was published in its hardbound version in May 2006 and scheduled to be released in paperback on February 5, 2007. A spokesman for the firm stated: In light of recent events, HarperCollins has decided it wouldn't be appropriate to proceed with the paperback publication of Jade: My Autobiography as planned on 5 February. The author and agent support this decision."

[[68]]

LIVINGtv cancelled its six-figure contract with Jade Goody, though it didn't specifically cite Jade's behavior as a cause.

Rocawear cancelled its contract with Danielle Lloyd to be a spokemodel for the brand. Company director Steve Crayson is quoted as saying:


"As a leading global fashion brand, we condemn any form of intolerance and/or racism. "We don't believe Danielle to be racist, but cannot ignore the comments made by her while on Channel 4." [[69]]

Motorcycle insurance firm Bennetts terminated its six-figure agreement with Danielle Lloyd to be the spokes model for their company. A firm spokesperson is quoted as saying:

"Bennetts is strongly opposed to any form of racism and bullying." ... "In light of the accusations which have been made against Miss Lloyd, it has taken the decision to terminate its arrangements with her."

Hertsmere Borough Council, the owners of Big Brother's studios in Elstree have threatened to refuse permission to film[[70]]

Other sponsors of the show, Beauty-boxes.com, Zamya aromatherapy products, United Biscuits and Cobra Beer withdrew sponsorship from the programme. [[71]] [[72]] |Deals with a number of advertisers, including Cow & Gate, the baby food manufacturer, and moneysupermarket.com were cancelled. Vanni Treves, Channel 4's former chairman, urged the station to cancel the show. Yet the chances of this are unlikely as Big Brother is Channel 4's biggest money-spinner, accounting for around seven per cent of its total £800 million advertising income. [[73]]


Danielle Lloyd

Danielle Lloyd helped open a mobile phone safety campaign after her own mobile was stolen in a Liverpool club. The Keep It Safe & Secure campaign, backed by the National Mobile Phone Crime Unit encourages mobile users to take greater safety precautions when using their phone.[[74]]

Shilpa Shetty

On 14 February 2007 Shilpa Shetty said "Jade did apologise. And I've forgiven her. Anyone, who knows me, knows I forgive and forget easily." "I'm totally apolitical: Shilpa Shetty", Hindustan Times. URL last accessed 2007-02-18.

On 17 February 2007, Shilpa said that she wanted to forgive Jo O'Meara, but she and other Celebrity Big Brother contestants had difficulty contacting her. "[75]", Daily Star. URL last accessed 2007-02-18.

On May 11 2007 Shilpa Shetty released her new Bollywood film, Life in a...Metro. The film had a Leicester Square premier (the first for a Bollywood film). In the UK, Shilpa continues to work on projects, including a west end musical and perfume.

In February 2007, Shetty aso attended a reception at the House of Commons, by invitation of Keith Vaz MP to meet with British prime minister Tony Blair [76].

Shilpa was then invited to meet with Queen Elizabeth II at Marlborough House in London in March 2007. During an interview on This Morning, Shetty confirmed that she had been asked to take the role of Preeti Choraria's sister in EastEnders. Shilpa said that after much thought she would be unable to take the role as it would mean all her other arrangements would have to go on hold.

She was also the subject of a Sky One documentary entitled "The Real Shilpa Shetty", which was produced by British television production company Twofour. The large number of commercial offers that Shilpa received after winning Celebrity Big Brother themselves became reason for controversy with an increasing number of accusations about her riding the 'racism' wave to commercial gain.

Jade Goody

In an exclusive interview with the News of the World newspaper, Jade apologised for her behaviour. She admitted that her comments to Shilpa could be seen to be racist. In a tearful state on a video posted on the newspaper's website, Goody said:

"I know that things that I don’t think are necessarily racist…could be... And I am sincerely sorry for the pain and hurt I’ve caused to Shilpa’s family. I am wrong… I am wrong and I know that my words and my actions were wrong and I’m not trying to justify that in any way – I am wrong, and the people who have complained are not wrong. They’re just insulted by me and I completely take that criticism". Jade Goody, "'I AM SINCERELY DISGUSTED WITH MY BEHAVIOUR'", News of the World. Retrieved on 2007-01-21.

Goody was reported to have been living in fear following her comments on Celebrity Big Brother, and alleged that her Harlow home windows were smashed, "Jade living in fear after Big Brother race row", Times Online, News International, 2007-01-23. Retrieved on 2007-01-28.  but Essex police reported to the media that only one window was cracked. "Lawyer joins Big Brother review", BBC News, 2007-01-23. Retrieved on 2007-02-01.  Goody and her mother were contacted by police investigating their alleged racism during Celebrity Big Brother. "Police contact Big Brother's Jade", BBC News, 2007-01-26. Retrieved on 2007-01-28.  On 30 January The Sun reported that Goody had collapsed at home on Sunday 28 January, and had entered The Priory clinic. Nathan, Sara. "Jade collapses over TV jibe", The Sun, News International, 2007-01-30. Retrieved on 2007-02-01.  . This was followed by a long period of almost daily stories about Jade in the UK tabloids in which it was impossible to tell fact from fiction as they often contradicted each other. For example: in one story Jade thanked the police for helping her. In another the police allegedly complained that Jade refused to talk to them thus hampering their investigation.

Hope

It is planned for both Jade ans Shilpa to meet in the U.K. some time to make up and become fiends. It is understod that Big Brother is arangeing this for some time next Summer.

Police investigation as Ofcom Report confirms Racism in Celebrity Big Brother 2007

According to the BBC Shetty confided in fellow housemate Cleo Rocos that she feared the arguments between Goody, O'Meara, Lloyd and herself was the result of her race. After being told by Cleo that this was unlikely, Shilpa retorted by saying "It is, I'm telling you". Shilpa did not lodge an official complaint of racist behaviour to Big Brother.[10] Yet Shetty's admission has forced police to investigate whether or not to classify her treatment as 'racial hatred' under Part III of the Public Order Act 1986.

Hertfordshire police said in a statement that it was

"Investigating allegations of racist behaviour in the Big Brother house and will be conducting enquiries, including a review of the tapes. We will continue to liaise with Ofcom and with Endemol, whom we have strongly encouraged to ensure that any form of behaviour that could raise similar concerns, does not occur. We will continue to closely monitor the situation over the next few days. Hertfordshire Constabulary will not tolerate racism in any form and is taking these allegations seriously. The constabulary has experience of investigating and resolving incidents in the Big Brother house in past seasons." [[77]] Shetty later withdrew her claims of racism, stating she did not think Jade was being racist during their argument.<[[78]] However, Shetty was unaware of all the alleged insults levelled against her, often done behind her back at that time. In May 2007, Endemol released previously withheld material in which O'Meara, Tweed and Goody constructed a limerick which was based around, although it did not directly use, the word "paki", instead replacing the racist slur for the word "tacky". Ofcom published the report which confirmed that there had been racism towards Shetty. "Big Brother: the missing footage", Asians In Media, 2007-05-25. Retrieved on 2007-05-25.  On 24 May 2007, it was reported that TV watchdog Ofcom had adjudicated on the race row during the Celebrity Big Brother series following the record number of complaints. Channel 4 was found to have breached the Ofcom code of conduct. Statutory sanctions were imposed on Channel 4, obliging them to broadcast statements of Ofcom's findings on three separate occasions at the start of the new series of Big Brother in May. It was also reported that footage of an alleged racist limerick about Shilpa, devised by her antagonisers, did exist, despite previous denials by Endemol. "CBB Ordered To Make Race Row Apology", Sky News, URL last accessed 2007-05-24 However, the report made clear that the phrase "fucking paki" was not used by Jack Tweed as previously believed. "Ofcom Content Sanctions Committee", Ofcom Report, URL last accessed on 2006-05-25 A transcript of untransmitted footage was also released where Big Brother clearly warns some housemates that what they were saying could be regarded as racially offensive. "CBB5 Transcript on untransmittd material" URL last accessed on 2006-05-24 On Friday 25th May 2007, the British Press reported on the Ofcom ruling, which stated that Channel 4 have to publicly broadcast an apology at the start of the next Big Brother series, in relation to the events in the house during Celebrity Big Brother 2007. It was also stated that there were further incidents that were unaired. [[79]]

External links