Omar’s actions towards Rhianna in the Big Brother house drew over 7,000 Ofcom complaints, with Refuge joining Women’s Aid in releasing a statement.
Viewers criticised Omar’s actions(Image: ITV)
The fallout from Monday evening’s Big Brother continues after fans were left disgusted with Omar’s behaviour towards Rhianna.
The pair, who have became an item in the famous ITV house, had an altercation and viewers were fuming with the way he spoke to her. He was filmed sternly telling her not to talk about him and saying: “Your feelings aren’t fact unfortunately.”
They appeared to have made up on Tuesday. Nonetheless, more than 7,000 people sent in their complaints to Ofcom and now the charity Refuge has also shared concerns about the show.
A statement for the charity, which supports sufferers of domestic abuse, said: “Refuge is deeply concerned by the behaviours witnessed during the current series of Big Brother. Media outlets have a responsibility to prioritise participant welfare and to ensure that harmful behaviour is identified and addressed appropriately.
To see more of the stories you love from The Mirror and to find them easily in Google then make us your preferred source. Free and easy-to-do, just click on the link here to find more from The Mirror at the top of your feed.
“Broadcasters must also actively choose not to amplify individuals displaying abusive behaviour. At a time when one in four women will experience domestic abuse in their lifetime, it is vital that public platforms do not contribute to the normalisation of abusive attitudes or behaviours.
“Every survivor deserves to be heard, believed, and protected – both on television and in their everyday lives. Refuge stands in solidarity with all survivors of domestic abuse and calls for media companies to be held accountable for the safety and wellbeing of contestants.”
The charity concluded: “We call on all broadcasters, producers and media organisations to use their platforms responsibly, placing safety, dignity and accountability at the heart of their decision-making.”
ITV issued a statement of their own following the uneasy scenes. They said: “All Housemates receive Respect and Inclusion training and an extensive briefing from the Big Brother Senior team to prepare them for living in the House and to set out Big Brother’s expectations for appropriate behaviour and language.
“Housemates are monitored 24 hours a day and any instances of inappropriate behaviour are responded to appropriately. Welfare and safeguarding are prioritised throughout the production, with a dedicated welfare team available to support Housemates before, during and after their time in the House.”
Women’s Aid also said on Instagram: “We’re seeing coercive and controlling behaviours being given a platform in popular media like Big Brother. We’ve been contacted by many viewers who have expressed concern. Not only does Big Brother risk minimising survivors’ experiences, it also risks presenting abuse as a form of entertainment.
“Producers should understand their responsibility to keep contestants emotionally and physically safe. The women in these programmes are real people and need real support. We continue to urge television companies such as ITV to engage with experts like Women’s Aid to understand the nature of abuse and how they can do better to protect contestants.”
The issue arose as viewers watched on as an upset Rhianna looked to end the duo’s relationship. She questioned his maturity in conversation and was later called to the Diary Room.
She was asked by Big Brother if she was okay and she told them: “I’m not that good but I’ll be fine. Obviously me and Omar have not been good over the last few days and sometimes I don’t like the way he speaks to me.”
She added: “I wouldn’t let a boy speak to me like that outside of here so why am I letting him speak to me like that… If it keeps going in circles, we can just be friends.”
I’m A Celeb star Dean McCulloch, a regular guest on Big Brother companion shows, said: “Omar needs to be removed from the house with immediate effect.”
For confidential support, call the 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Freephone Helpline on 0808 2000 247 or visit womensaid.co.uk
Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads.