Leona
19-01-2007, 03:04 PM
Crowd Banned From Big Brother Eviction
Friday January 19, 02:20 PM
Fans have been banned from tonight's Celebrity Big Brother eviction due to the "heightened feelings" surrounding the programme, organisers have said. The move follows fears that Jade Goody could be attacked by a hostile crowd after her alleged racist bullying of Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty.
Hundreds of people who hold tickets for this evening's show will be invited to attend the next eviction instead.
Media watchdog Ofcom says complaints from viewers about the race row have soared
to more than 38,000.
Jade has apologised to Shilpa, insisting she is not a racist and said she regrets any offence that she has caused.
But the south Londoner, who is favourite to get the boot, is facing fresh controversy after branding her rival "Shilpa Poppadom" and will apparently be taken to a safe house by police when kicked out.
Channel 4 has decided to donate all the phone line profits from this evening's vote to charity.
Gordon Brown, on a visit to India, suggested that viewers should show their disgust for racism.
That will be seen by most people as the Chancellor favouring Shilpa rather than Jade.
The Indian actress has endured repeated verbal assaults from Jade and faced highly-critical comments from others in the house, including ex-Miss Great Britain Danielle Lloyd.
Jade, who is 50-1 odds-on to be evicted in the public vote, told Shilpa: "I know that what has happened has not been nice for you... and a lot of stuff got said the other day from you and from myself.
"I didn't say it in a racial way... I do not judge people by the colour of their skin."
Shilpa replied: "I know that, I don't think you're racist. I really appreciate that you took the first step."
But out of earshot on another occasion, Jade called her "Shilpa Poppadom".
In the diary room, she explained her comments, saying: "She is Indian, so will have an Indian name.
"What I said about her was not meant in a racial way - it's not acceptable if done in that way. If it's offended any Indians I apologise."
Meanwhile, Danielle has said sorry to the Bollywood actress, saying she was "disgusted" by her behaviour.
Earlier in the week, Shilpa thought she was a victim of racism but later changed her mind, believing her row with Jade had not been racially motivated.
Channel 4 continues to defend the programme, saying it has "touched a real nerve" and raised an important debate.
However, Hertfordshire Police have said they are investigating allegations of racist behaviour in the house and will be reviewing the tapes.
Friday January 19, 02:20 PM
Fans have been banned from tonight's Celebrity Big Brother eviction due to the "heightened feelings" surrounding the programme, organisers have said. The move follows fears that Jade Goody could be attacked by a hostile crowd after her alleged racist bullying of Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty.
Hundreds of people who hold tickets for this evening's show will be invited to attend the next eviction instead.
Media watchdog Ofcom says complaints from viewers about the race row have soared
to more than 38,000.
Jade has apologised to Shilpa, insisting she is not a racist and said she regrets any offence that she has caused.
But the south Londoner, who is favourite to get the boot, is facing fresh controversy after branding her rival "Shilpa Poppadom" and will apparently be taken to a safe house by police when kicked out.
Channel 4 has decided to donate all the phone line profits from this evening's vote to charity.
Gordon Brown, on a visit to India, suggested that viewers should show their disgust for racism.
That will be seen by most people as the Chancellor favouring Shilpa rather than Jade.
The Indian actress has endured repeated verbal assaults from Jade and faced highly-critical comments from others in the house, including ex-Miss Great Britain Danielle Lloyd.
Jade, who is 50-1 odds-on to be evicted in the public vote, told Shilpa: "I know that what has happened has not been nice for you... and a lot of stuff got said the other day from you and from myself.
"I didn't say it in a racial way... I do not judge people by the colour of their skin."
Shilpa replied: "I know that, I don't think you're racist. I really appreciate that you took the first step."
But out of earshot on another occasion, Jade called her "Shilpa Poppadom".
In the diary room, she explained her comments, saying: "She is Indian, so will have an Indian name.
"What I said about her was not meant in a racial way - it's not acceptable if done in that way. If it's offended any Indians I apologise."
Meanwhile, Danielle has said sorry to the Bollywood actress, saying she was "disgusted" by her behaviour.
Earlier in the week, Shilpa thought she was a victim of racism but later changed her mind, believing her row with Jade had not been racially motivated.
Channel 4 continues to defend the programme, saying it has "touched a real nerve" and raised an important debate.
However, Hertfordshire Police have said they are investigating allegations of racist behaviour in the house and will be reviewing the tapes.