ThisisBigBrother.com - UK TV Forums - Shahbaz: 'I’ll sue BB for my breakdown'

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Former Big Brother contestant Shahbaz Chauhdry is suing the show - for psychological damage.

Shahbaz has signed up a top lawyer to act against programme makers Endemol.

And the case could open the floodgates for other disgruntled housemates to launch their own lawsuits - and cost the giant TV production company a fortune.

Millions of viewers saw Shahbaz have a breakdown and threaten to kill himself on the Channel 4 reality show two years ago.

He insisted BB chiefs IGNORED his anguish and REFUSED his pleas to let him leave - so he walked out after five days.

And he claimed the experience left him such a nervous wreck he still needs anti-depressants.

Shahbaz, 37, said: "I know it's like David v Goliath but I am very focused and bosses should be worried.

"Iwon't stop till I get some justice - I've suffered and I feel very strongly about it. It's NOT about the money - it's about getting my life back."

He added: "Two years down the line I'm finally together and content.

"But Big Brother took away two years of my life and I want Endemol to accept responsibility."

Shahbaz - who has legal aid to fight his case - is now asking other exhousemates to join his battle.

And the Glaswegian believes a combined action could halt the show in its tracks as it prepares for its 10th birthday next year.

Shahbaz claimed he was not warned of the pressures of appearing on the show before joining BB.

Insane The cracks began to show from the professional mental support. They also offered work presenting Big Brother spin-offs, so I halted the legal action - but didn't withdraw it.

"I'm glad now because all I got was scraps which dried up very quickly.

"I've had no work for a year, doors have been closed and I'm still on antidepressants and living on benefits."

Shahbaz added: "I've had therapy and I'm together. I can now reflect with a clear mind about what happened to me.

"I take responsibility for going to the auditions. But I do NOT accept responsibility for the ghastly aftermath."

Shabaz's Glasgow-based lawyer start as he told housemates: "I am a dead man walking. This is my last curtain call. I came here to die."

He said: "I wasn't made fully aware of the potential pitfalls beforehand - and I know the others weren't either.

"If I had been I wouldn't have done the show - I might have had mental health issues but I wasn't insane.

"The whole process is completely unethical."

He added: "People in the house get the chance of a £100,000 prize.

"But if you think what they make from one phone vote - over £1million - you have to agree it's exploitation.

"I suffered in that house. I asked to leave and they said No.

"I was under pressure but they didn't step in to help.

"They don't care if you're suffering as long as you have a personality and can help them boost ratings and callers to prime-rate phone numbers."

Shahbaz spent three days at a spa resort after his walkout - and TV chiefs paid for a pal to be with him because, he claimed, he was on "suicide watch".

Hewent on: "They flew my friend back to Glasgow and I was effectively dumped in a hotel for a night.

"The next day I was abandoned with no money and no ticket home.

"Friends had to call the show's care team to ask them to fly me back."

Bachelor Shahbaz said he later received DEATHthreats in Glasgow.

And he claimed BB chiefs only offered more help when he warned he'd take legal action against them.

He said: "After threatening to sue, Endemol and Channel 4 eventually put me on their 'care plan' providing Cameron Fyfe said: "On his own he has a good case. If other housemates join him, that case will be stronger."

Endemol and C4 said in a statement: "The welfare of all housemates is important to us. Robust procedures are in place to ensure a high level of care for housemates prior to, during and on leaving. We have not been contacted by Shahbaz saying he is now dissatisfied."

I know it's like David v Goliath but I am very focuse

It's not about the money it's about getting my life back

I suffered in that house. I asked to leave and they said 'no'

Source, The People