Big Brother’s Omar becomes most complained about housemate ever with huge 22,000
Omar and Rhianna on Big Brother (ITV)
Ofcom has confirmed it received 22,499 complaints about Big Brother scenes involving housemates Omar El Mayer and Rhianna Collins.
The total is the highest number of complaints ever linked to an individual contestant across the show’s civilian run, even including its origin on Channel 4 and return on Channel 5.
The complaints relate to scenes that played out across several episodes, centred on Omar and Rhianna’s on-off relationship in the house.
An episode aired on 19 October showed multiple emotional exchanges between the pair, with Rhianna left in tears several times before they decided to call off their romance.
Women’s Aid released a statement condemning his behaviour, while reports emerged that he had a number of unaired talks with professionals in the Diary Room.
What happened between Omar and Rhianna?
In scenes that prompted a strong viewer reaction, Omar was shown speaking to Rhianna in ways some viewers found concerning, including phrases such as “don’t talk about me”, “don’t cry”, “don’t look away from me”, “sort yourself out” and “fix up”.
Omar, 21, was called to the Diary Room and told: “Omar, Big Brother wants to speak to you about some of your language and behaviour in the house.”
He was also warned: “Some of your language used on more than one occasion and the behaviour you have exhibited could cause offense to your fellow housemates or the viewing public.”
Omar denied any wrongdoing in the Diary Room, saying: “I’ve done nothing but look out for her. I’ve done nothing but try to accommodate her and be there for her and care for her.”
Big Brother and Ofcom complaints
The 22,499 total is the third-highest number of complaints in Big Brother history, including celebrity editions. It sits behind Roxanne Pallett’s 27,000 complaints over her allegations about Ryan Thomas, and Jade Goody’s 2007 racism row against Shilpa Shetty, which drew around 45,000 complaints, both of which happened on Celebrity Big Brother.
The backlash has also spilled beyond the show itself. Former Radio One DJ Dean McCullough said: “Omar needs removed from the Big Brother House with immediate effect.”
Earlier this month, Women’s Aid criticised Big Brother for airing what it described as “coercive and controlling behaviours”.
Big Brother continues tonight at 9pm on ITV2 and ITVX.
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