07/06/2007

Big Brother contestant removed over racist remark

'Big Brother' contestant Emily Parr has been removed from the house for using a racially offensive word to another housemate.

The 19-year-old from Bristol was removed from the 'Big Brother' house in the early hours of Thursday morning.

Channel 4's decision came following an incident on Wednesday night when Emily was dancing with fellow contestants Charley and Nicky.

She was heard to say to Charley: "Are you pushing it out you nigger?" The comment was not screened.

Emily said that she had not intended to offend anyone with the comment and said that it had been meant as a joke.

Both Charley and Nicky said that they were not personally offended by the remark, but did say that they were shocked at the language she had used.

A statement issued by Channel 4 said that Emily had "acknowledged that she should have been more careful with her words".

The statement said: "In consultation with senior executives at Channel 4, the decision was taken to remove Emily from the house on the grounds that she had broken the rules governing contestant behaviour."

Friday night's planned eviction vote - which would have seen the public decide between Emily and Shabnam - has now been cancelled.

The incident will be aired as part of the 'Big Brother' highlights show on Channel 4 on Thursday night.

The decision followed the race row over this year's series of 'Celebrity Big Brother' in which it was alleged that Indian actress Shilpa Shetty had been subjected to racist abuse from other housemates, including Jade Goody, Jo O'Meara and Danielle Lloyd.

Ms Shetty, who was attending the International Indian Film Academy Awards in Sheffield, said that she was happy that Emily had been kicked off the show.

(KMcA/SP)

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