Big Brother complaints force Ofcom website change

The media furore continues

17 January 2007 13:57 GMT / By Chris Hall

It has been difficult to escape Celebrity Big Brother this year, but not for the right reasons.

The program has experienced falling viewer numbers, but circulating allegations of bullying and racist comments have drawn the attention of the media, both in the UK and in India, where the subject of the abuse, Shilpa Shetty, a Bollywood star, enjoys a large following.

The allegations have found their way into the House of Commons, where MP Keith Vaz voiced concerns over the program.

The independent regulator, Ofcom, have experienced such a high level of complaints about the program, that they have included the following statement on their website:

"17 January 2007 - Ofcom are currently receiving very high volumes of complaints alleging racism in Celebrity Big Brother 7. Ofcom treats complaints about such issues extremely seriously. We will evaluate the nature of the complaints before reaching any decision which will be published in due course. You should visit our website for updates.”

They have a dedicated link for complaining about the program, which can be found below.

Sponsors of the Channel4 program, Carphone Warehouse, have been reported as constantly considering their relationship, reportedly worth around £3 million a year.