Big Brother is at the centre of controversy over housemate Omar’s behaviour, which has prompted Women’s Aid to share a statement.
Viewers have been contacting the charity after Monday’s episode (19 October) due to Omar’s response when Rhianna called time on their relationship.
“You’ve really f***ed me off by saying what you said,” he told Rhianna, and during a later moment, while she was chatting to other housemates, he said into her ear: “Do me a favour. I know you’re upset, but don’t talk about me.”
Later, when Rhianna tried to cover her head in her hands, Omar told her: “Look at me – don’t look away from me.” Big Brother called Rhianna to the Diary Room to separate the pair. After the scenes aired, many concerned viewers flooded X and Instagram with messages urging ITV to remove Omar from the house.
Women’s Aid said that Big Brother is “risking presenting abuse as a form of entertainment” by giving a platform to “worrying” behaviours.
Veronica Oakeshott, the charity’s head of external affairs, said: “The nature of abuse means that it often begins with ‘red flag’ coercive and controlling behaviours like isolating you from friends or repeatedly putting you down, before escalating into other forms of abuse.
“Coercive control creates invisible chains and a sense of fear that impacts every element of a survivor’s life.”
She continued: “It’s worrying to see behaviours like this being given a platform in popular media like Big Brother. We’ve been contacted by many viewers who have expressed concern.
“Not only does Big Brother risk minimising survivors’ experiences, it also risks presenting abuse as a form of entertainment. We must do better to call out and reject abuse as soon as we see it, so women and children can learn the signs and themselves feel confident in speaking up and seeking safety.
“Producers should understand their responsibility to keep contestants emotionally and physically safe. The women in these programmes are real people and need real support.”
The Independent has contacted ITV for comment. But ahead of Women’s Aid’s statement, a spokesperson said: “All Housemates receive Respect and Inclusion training and an extensive briefing from the Big Brother Senior team to prepare them for living in the House and to set out Big Brother’s expectations for appropriate behaviour and language.
“Housemates are monitored 24 hours a day and any instances of inappropriate behaviour are responded to appropriately. Welfare and safeguarding are prioritised throughout the production, with a dedicated welfare team available to support Housemates before, during and after their time in the House.”
After one encounter with Omar, Rhianna tearfully told another housemate: “I don’t know what’s wrong with Omar, but it’s literally making me feel like I’ve constantly been doing something wrong.
“If he’s just in a mood or something, fine. But like it’s just making me feel like I’m going crazy.”
Big Brother was rebooted by ITV in 2023, and this year’s edition – the fourth – has been the most successful yet.
According to ITV, the series has amassed 202m streams on ITVX. Following its success, the channel has commissioned a reunion episode, which will bring back all the housemates after the finale airs on 6 November.
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