[Amy]

Contestant Emily Parr was removed from the Big Brother house in the early hours of this morning (7th June) after using a racially offensive word to a fellow housemate.

Emily was dancing with Charley and Nicky in the living room of the Big Brother house at approximately 8.30pm last night (Wednesday 6th June) when she was heard to say “Are you pushing it out you n****r?” to Charley.

Emily immediately made clear that she had not intended to offend and that the comment had been meant as a joke. In discussing what she had said, Charley and Nicky agreed that they were not personally offended, although both did express shock at the language she had used. In the ensuing discussion, Emily acknowledged that she should have been more careful with her words.

The comment was not screened as part of the ‘as live’ streaming on E4 and was immediately reported up to senior production staff at Brighter Pictures, the Endemol UK subsidiary that produces the show. In consultation with senior executives at Channel 4 the decision was taken to remove Emily from the house on the grounds that she had broken the rules governing contestant behaviour.

The House Rules given to all contestants clearly state:

- Big Brother will intervene and take appropriate action if Housemates behave in a way that Big Brother considers is unacceptable.
- Unacceptable behaviour includes: behaving in a way that could cause serious offence to either their fellow Housemates or members of the viewing public including serious offence based on the grounds of race.
- Housemates who act in a way that is seriously unacceptable will be evicted.

Emily was called to the Diary Room at approximately 03.30 am to be informed of the decision and was removed from the house immediately without further contact with other contestants. The remaining housemates were informed of Big Brother’s decision at approximately 9.30am.

Emily was one of two housemates nominated for eviction this week and as a result the latest eviction vote has been suspended.

Angela Jain, who heads the Big Brother commissioning team at Channel 4, said: “I think people watching the show tonight will agree that Emily spoke carelessly rather than maliciously – certainly Charley and Nicky, the two housemates most directly involved in the conversation with her, seem to accept that she did. She understands why her involvement in Big Brother has had to come an end and she very much regrets what she said.

“In the wake of Celebrity Big Brother we must consider the potential offence to viewers regardless of Emily’s intentions and her housemates’ response. The word ni**er is clearly racially offensive and there was no justification for its use. We have removed Emily from the house to once again make it clear to all housemates and the viewers at home that such behaviour won’t be tolerated.”

This is a provisional transcript of the conversation between Emily, Charley and Nicky that led to Emily’s departure from the house. The incident will be aired as part of the Big Brother highlights show on Channel 4 at 10pm tonight (Thursday 7th June).

Emily: (referring to Charley dancing/pushing her hips forward) You pushing it out you ni**er.
Nicky: (shocked laughter) Em, I can’t believe you said that.
Charley: You are in trouble.
Emily: Don’t make a big thing out of it then. I was joking.
Charley: I know you were… but that’s some serious ****, sorry.
Emily: Why?
Charley: Oh my god. I’m not even saying it.
Nicky: Just don’t talk about it anymore.
Emily: I was joking
Charley: Do you know how many viewers would watch that?
Nicky: Okay, don’t make a big deal out of it.
Charley: Fancy you saying that. I can’t believe you said that.
Emily: Somebody has already used that word in this house.
Charley: No way. (Pause) Yeah, me. I’m a n*****r.
Nicky laughs.
Charley: I am one. Fancy you saying it. I know maybe you see it in a rap song. Maybe you and your friends sit there saying it.
Emily: I’m friendly with plenty of black people.
Nicky: And you call them *******?
Emily: Yeah and they call me n*****s. They call me wiggers as well.
Nicky: I’m quite shocked.
Charley: I’m ****ing in shock.
Emily: It’s not a big deal though is it?
Charley: Not for us it ain’t. ******* me.

From Channel 4

[Slartibartfast]

The House Rules given to all contestants clearly state:

- Big Brother will intervene and take appropriate action if Housemates behave in a way that Big Brother considers is unacceptable.
- Unacceptable behaviour includes: behaving in a way that could cause serious offence to either their fellow Housemates or members of the viewing public including serious offence based on the grounds of race.
- Housemates who act in a way that is seriously unacceptable will be evicted.

She can't really have any argument then, the rules are pretty clear and it looks from that statement that she has accepted she broke the rules.

I quite like this piece of damage control by Channel 4:

Angela Jain, who heads the Big Brother commissioning team at Channel 4, said: “I think people watching the show tonight will agree that Emily spoke carelessly rather than maliciously

LOL, basically saying she's not nasty just stupid!

[Amy]

She was very silly... It'll be interesting to see tonights show.

[gazza127]

They were very quick to act this time.

[DOG]

The girl is an idiot and should have known better than to use the N word, even in the context that she did use it.

[Psychonaut]

I don't think anyone should use the word at all, even Charlie. It's just as offensive in my opinion whoever says it. It's a word many people had thrown at them as a form of racial abuse and has become just unacceptable, even in music in my opinion. America doesn't have racism laws like in the Uk, so that's why they get away with that kind of crap.

[ben_evans_07]

i cant believe what she said i know she was mean to all the housemates but that takes it to a new level, even if she didnt mean to say what she said she still said it and she deserves everything she gets, i dont like the girl anyway, an wanted her to be evicted anyway, i am glad she is gone now cause the housemates dont have to worry bout the constant bitching arguing and backstabbing.

[xkatex]

Glad she's gone. I wonder what will happen on Friday now??

[superscott789]

That was quite shocking, and people may say C4 overreacted - especially when they, Emily and Charley all know that it was a mistake. Charley went and used the word herself. However, it is good to see action being taken - we don't want the plug pulled now do we?

[Amy21]

I just got a new bulletin from Big Blagger website saying she has been removed from the house. I hope she get arrested and charged for that racist comment. She shouldnt be allowed to get away with that at all. I am glad Big Brother acted quickly on that and got her removed from the house. I dont know what good its going to do Big Brother image now as they have already been in trouble with off come about this. I hope that nasty Emily doesnt get Big Brother taken off the air because of her racist comment otherwise I will be so mad .

So Friday eviction is cancelled now. What happens to all the money that people have spent voting on. I think Channel 4 should give the money back as they already took aload of money from last year series because of people walking out and Celebrity Big Brother too.

This isnt a good start to Big Brother 8 at all. Its only been the first week.

[Wiglet]

So it wasn't because she got her baps put then after all!

Sorry it is serious......

I had to go out at 9.15 and missed out on what the REAL story was.

I find a little sad actually. There are some seriously racial attacks out there which are brushed under the carpet and when you hear about something like a silly little girl making a stupid comment like this and it WILL not doubt be blown out of all proportion I do wonder "Why?"

[Slartibartfast]

Originally posted by wiglet
So it wasn't because she got her baps out then after all!

I know wiglet, would have been so much easier if that's all she had done. And personally, I was quite looking forward to seeing some bap action

[actor]

Here is the link, by the way:

http://www.metro.co.uk/bigbrother/ar...&in_page_id=22

Her last moment in the house:

[Arneldo]

That is shocking! I cant believe she could be so stupid to say somthing like that. BB did the right thing in kicking her out.

[Amy21]

Originally posted by actor
Here is the link, by the way:

http://www.metro.co.uk/bigbrother/ar...&in_page_id=22

Her last moment in the house:

Good riddence to a nasty bitch like her .

[Listedabive]

Does anyone else find this all a little suspect?

It's only a few days since Channel 4 were forced to apologise for tolerating the racism from Celeb BB (yes it had dragged on for that long). So they're keen to prove that they won't tolerate it this time round.

And very conveniently there is a reason to kick someone out for saying a racist word - in the first week!

Hmm...

If I was a suspicious person I'd be thinking that Emily was a mole from the start. And that Channel 4 had given her a massive payoff to say the word after about a week so they could boot her out. That way the nation respects Channel 4 again and Ofcom leave them alone.

It's probably not the case. But it's something to think about.

[Spider]

Originally posted by Amy21
I hope she get arrested and charged for that racist comment. She shouldnt be allowed to get away with that at all.

Are you honestly serious? Arrested for saying that word in a humorous context? What a ridiculous idea.

I agree it was stupid, especially when someone as intlligent as her would have known how BB were likely to act after the CBB row, but I still feel as if a housemate has been wasted to simply prevent Channel 4 from getting told off again. I don't see why they couldn't have just shown it and let Emily be the one to take responsibility. The fact is it was an off-the-cuff remark, one which shouldn't have been said but none the less offended no one to whom it was said.

Agree though, money should be returned for the evictions, and I also think it's pretty stupid because it now makes the whole introduction of Ziggy and his task completely pointless.

[actor]

Originally posted by Listedabive
Does anyone else find this all a little suspect?

It's only a few days since Channel 4 were forced to apologise for tolerating the racism from Celeb BB (yes it had dragged on for that long). So they're keen to prove that they won't tolerate it this time round.

And very conveniently there is a reason to kick someone out for saying a racist word - in the first week!

Hmm...

If I was a suspicious person I'd be thinking that Emily was a mole from the start. And that Channel 4 had given her a massive payoff to say the word after about a week so they could boot her out. That way the nation respects Channel 4 again and Ofcom leave them alone.

It's probably not the case. But it's something to think about.

OMG YES!!

Plus, she is an actress!

[bananarama]

Originally posted by Spider

Are you honestly serious? Arrested for saying that word in a humorous context? What a ridiculous idea.

I agree it was stupid, especially when someone as intlligent as her would have known how BB were likely to act after the CBB row, but I still feel as if a housemate has been wasted to simply prevent Channel 4 from getting told off again. I don't see why they couldn't have just shown it and let Emily be the one to take responsibility. The fact is it was an off-the-cuff remark, one which shouldn't have been said but none the less offended no one to whom it was said.

Agree though, money should be returned for the evictions, and I also think it's pretty stupid because it now makes the whole introduction of Ziggy and his task completely pointless.

I too agree to suggest arrest is ridiculous extremism....You could say its a sign of hatred which is what racists do.......

I note on another now closed thread that racism cannot be debated without extremists throwing out accusations just because others may have a different perspective..The extremists always have to be right........


I too cannot believe the stupidity of her making such a statement considering the warning that were given prior to the show.......I can't help but think she knew what she was doing.........Maybe she thinks in the long run she will sell stories from such a controversy.....Foolish if she does as there are complete nutters out there likely to threaten her safety....

[Sam]

I dont think she should have gone but should have been strongly warned

[andybigbro]

i am shocked she went

And a bit anoyyed but she shouldnt of said that

[BigBrotherFan..*]

i cant believe it ! :O omg! emily was the best dont wanna watch it now!!!

[Crystal-Rose]

i cant believe she has gone!
i dont think she is racist
its because of last series big brother think it wil start another race row
but it was nowhere near as bad as before last year there was bullying and everything

i think its just big brother protecting themselves just in case because they know it will cause a stir in the papers ect

its a shame shes gone
i dont think at all she ment to say it in a bad way, shes friends with charley so i dont see why she would have the reason to say it in a bad way

[xPrInCeSs-MaYx]

stupid bitch - i told you it was racism - you should of believed me - ungrateful little cow

[Sticks]

Lets start with one thing

I am not acting as a Cyber Devil's Advocate for Emily. I am still retired.

First of all, where did the N word come from? Answer it was a derogative used of African slaves in the Southern United States of America and it was used after the abolition and during the time America had segregation. That is it's history. It is now seen as so offensive that even words that have nothing at all to do with it, but sound similar, are unacceptable, as one political aide found to his cost when he wanted to use a word that means stingy or mean.

Incidentally this word is used a lot with impunity in modern rap music.

Now lets compare what happened here with what happened in January. The situation in January was very different, as you had a number of people ganging up on the "innocent victim".

Here the majority were on the side of the "victim" and more able to instantly challenge the use of one word. The two contestants, Nicky and Charlie dealt with it internally, and in normal times it would probably have been left at that.

Now C4 is running paranoid, because of the OFCOM adjudication and this does come across as heavy handed. I heard that someone in the equal opportunities industry is welcoming this, if Emily had been immediately arrested and banged up, I suspect they would be equally welcoming this. This is Hatred, but coming from the other side.

As one who also goes up against the evils of racial hatred, this smacks more of wanting to be seen to be doing something rather than modifying attitudes. Nikky and Charlie did attempt to do that and that is where it should have been allowed to rest.

Now as the other people involved were not offended, it seems that the infracted rule was to do with "offending members of the viewing public" But hang on a moment, this was from an incident that was not on the live feed. As said, the people involved were handling it. It was the perpetrator this time that was ganged up on, not the victim as in January. C4 could have kept this contained, with the perpetrator brought to heel.

This racially offensive word could have been kept away from the public consciousness. It was a word fading into history, and now it has been revived. So thanks to a knee jerk reaction of channel 4 a racially offensive word is again appearing in print and on the electronic media, when it should have been allowed to wither and die on the linguistic vine."