Channel 4 bosses back Big Brother
Jade Goody and Shilpa Shetty are at the centre of the alleged racism row
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Monday, 22, Jan 2007 07:48
Bosses of this year's Celebrity Big Brother say they plan to review the future of the controversial programme.
Although the Channel 4 reality TV show has attracted criticism in the past, last week's furore over the alleged racism row reached new heights - with protests in India, withdrawal of the show's sponsorship and comments from the UK's senior politicians.
The Channel 4 board met today to discuss the future of the programme, but chose to continue screening the show rather than make a "knee-jerk" decision about the show's future.
Bollywood star Shilpa Shetty is said to have been the victim of racism and bullying, with evicted housemate Jade Goody targeted as the main offender.
Although acknowledging that last week's events "provoked an unprecedented level of public complaint", Channel 4 chairman Luke Johnson said the row had "triggered an important debate".
"Clearly many people were worried and offended by what they saw. We want to reassure them that we take the views of our audience very seriously and profoundly regret any offence that may have been caused," Mr Johnson told reporters.
"On behalf of the board, the chief executive and I have commissioned a review of the editorial and compliance processes that support Big Brother. The board will receive a full report and seek to identify any lessons that can be learned for the future."
Media watchdog Ofcom received roughly 40,000 complaints about Shetty's treatment and Hertfordshire police are reviewing tapes of the show.
Following her eviction on Friday evening Goody said that she was "disgusted" with herself.
"I'm not racist, but looking at that film I can see why it had the impact it's had," she said. "I look like one of those people I don't like."
During her time in the house, Shetty was referred to as "the Indian" while Goody named her "Shilpa Poppadom".
Rather than facing the usual crowds and public news conference, Goody was ushered out of the house and taken directly to an interview with host Davina McCall.
Just eight celebrities now remain in the house: Shetty; Jermaine Jackson; Ian "H" Watkins; Cleo Rocos; Danielle Lloyd; Jo O'Meara; Jack Tweed and Dirk Benedict.