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The current season of Big Brother, airing on CBS, has already sparked significant controversy, continuing the show’s reputation for drama and intense social dynamics. Big Brother, which is well-known for its intense rivalry, frequently serves as a talking point for debates on the conduct of its contestants and how the program handles delicate subjects.
Famous controversies from previous seasons include Taylor Hale's treatment in season 24 and Luke Valentine's expulsion in season 25 for using a racial slur. Jack Matthews made disparaging remarks about Ian Terry's autism in season 21 and ridiculed him for it in season 22, sparking criticism. When Kaitlyn Herman used a racial slur in season 20, it brought attention to the show's handling of inappropriate behavior.
Note: This list of scandals is not ranked in any particular order.
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5 scandals on Big Brother that shook the reality how
1. Luke Valentine (Season 25)
Big Brother season 25 contestant Luke Valentine received severe backlash in August 2023 after using a racial slur during a conversation with houseguests Cory, Hisam Goueli, and Jared. The use of the offensive term prompted both fans and former contestants to call for his removal from the game.
Andy Herren, the winner of Big Brother 15, publicly supported Valentine’s expulsion on X, stating,
"Production should remove Luke. Set an example. Show current and future players that language like that will not be tolerated."
On August 9, 2023, CBS announced that Valentine had been expelled. This marked the first time a contestant had been removed from the show specifically for using racially offensive language.
2. Taylor Hale (Season 24)
Taylor Hale faced significant controversy during Big Brother season 24 due to the harassment she endured from several houseguests. Observers noted that Hale was often singled out and subjected to "micro-aggressions and unconscious biases" throughout the season.
Season 23 champion Xavier Prather voiced his support for Hale on X, highlighting the challenges faced by black community members and other people of color in the house. He wrote,
“The treatment of Taylor in #BB24 is a prime example of why The Cookout was formed. Members of the black community (especially black women) and other people of color stand no chance in the Big Brother House due to perpetuation of micro-aggressions and unconscious biases which plague our society.”
3. Dani Briones, Memphis Garrett, and Nicole Franzel (Season 22)
Big Brother: All-Stars season 22 cast members Dani Briones, Memphis Garrett, and Nicole Franzel came under fire for their interactions with Ian Terry, who came forth with his autism spectrum diagnosis early in the season. The three housemates who made fun of Terry drew criticism.
Briones observed that Terry's motions caused her tension; Garrett likened Terry to a character from a horror film; and Franzel chuckled at Garrett's comments. Franzel's actions caused her to lose her sponsorships with Chateau Ste. Michelle. Later, Briones apologized to Terry on X, saying she saw him as an equal.
4. Jack Matthews (Season 21)
Season 21 contestant Jack Matthews caused a stir with remarks he made regarding other houseguests. In response to the backlash, CBS and the show's producers denied any racial motivations behind the casting or the show's outcomes.
Matthews made derogatory remarks about Kemi Fakunle, calling her “disgusting” and a “maggot” and threatening to “stomp a mud hole through [her] chest.”
He also referred to Isabella Wang, who is Asian American, as “rice pudding." Afterwards, Matthews expressed regret to Fakunle and denied the claim that his remarks on Wang were driven by racism.
5. Kaitlyn Herman (Season 20)
Kaitlyn Herman of season 20 came under fire for a number of occurrences that happened while she was a cast member. Herman was chastised for her flirting with houseguests Tyler Crispen, Brett Robinson, and Faysal Shafaat, as well as for using a racist slur when repeating lyrics from Drake's song "0 to 100."
Joe Pincus, Herman's boyfriend, in response to the issue, requested that CBS ensure he's not mentioned on the show, which prompted the network to pixelate his picture in Herman's HOH bedroom. CBS said in response to the incident,
“Big Brother is a reality show about watching a group of people who have no privacy 24/7 — and capturing every unfiltered moment and conversation in their lives. At times, the houseguests reveal prejudices and exhibit behavior that we do not condone.”
Catch new episodes of Big Brother on CBS every Wednesday and Thursday from 8-9 p.m. ET/PT, and Sundays from 9-10 p.m. ET/PT. Don't miss the drama as it unfolds this season!
