Ofcom probes 7,600 BB racism complaints
Shilpa Shetty was branded as "the Indian" by one of the contestants
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Tuesday, 16, Jan 2007 01:58
Media regulator Ofcom has said that it is investigating 7,600 complaints about racism on Celebrity Big Brother.
Shilpa Shetty is one of nine celebrities being filmed 24 hours a day for the Channel 4 reality TV series and viewers have complained that she has become the target of abuse.
After viewers first expressed concerns for Shilpa's treatment there has been a significant increase in complaints being made to Ofcom; this morning saw more than 7,000 people making calls to the regulator.
Jackiey Budden, the mother of returning BB contestant Jade Goody, could not say the Bollywood actress' name properly and referred to her as "the Indian".
And Jade has caused more than a stir since entering the house and has recently questioned Shilpa's character.
Shilpa was left in tears on Sunday evening after Jade asked her if she was being genuine on the show and she has become increasingly distant from 'Jade's crew' of model Danielle Lloyd and singer Jo O'Meara.
Former Steps singer Ian "H" Watkins said that the house is "turning into that film Lord of the Flies" and singer Jermaine Jackson has remarked on the "bullying" of Shilpa.
A spokesperson for the media regulator said: "Ofcom has now received in the region of 7,600 complaints about Celebrity Big Brother 2007. It will evaluate the nature of the complaints before reaching any decision which will be published in due course."
Shilpa has expressed her opinion about her treatment on the show, saying that it will make her into a "stronger person".
So far on the show three housemates have walked out while two have been evicted.