'Big Brother' Contestant Draws Criticism After Dropping N-Word During Show's Live Feed
Just days after CBS addressed "inappropriate behavior" and "offensive comments" made by three other contestants, life coach Kaitlyn Herman said the word as she sang along to the song "0 to 100" by Drake.
Big Brother season 20 is under fire yet again after a contestant used the N-word during the show's 24/7 live feed.
During the feed, Kaitlyn Herman, a 26-year-old "life-coach," said "I did go zero to 100 n—real quick," when quoting the song "0 to 100" by Drake.
Herman quoted the song to two of her fellow houseguests, Scottie Salton and Tyler Crispen. While Salton was singing the same song with her he stopped singing at the verse that uses, "n—real quick" and did not say it.
In reaction to Herman's use of the N-word former houseguest Da'Vonne Rogers took to Twitter to say: "You don't get to sing it. You don't get to say it. You don't get to think it!!"
Other reactions have included fans urging for Herman's "removal" from the game.
This comes just days after CBS addressed "inappropriate behavior" and "offensive comments" made by three other contestants.
In the statement released to The Hollywood Reporter on Tuesday, CBS said: "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. The producers have addressed two such incidents that were seen recently on the 24/7 online feed. In both cases, those involved have been warned about their inappropriate behavior and offensive comments, as well as future consequences. These events will not be part of any future Big Brother broadcast on CBS."
The offensive comments referenced Tuesday by CBS were made by Angela Rummans and Rachel Swindler, who compared their tan skin to that of African-American houseguest Bayleigh Dayton.
Swindler said, "My stomach is as dark as Bay. I can't be in the sun for two days straight. … I will change ethnicities. I already have."
While Rummans responded: "I'm looking ghetto here with the skin coloration."
Viewers of the show were quick to pick up what was said by Swindler and Rummans, calling the women's comments "racist" and urging the show's producers to step in.
After the statement was released by CBS both contestants were spotted on the show's live feed visibly emotional and crying.
Another contestant, Brett Robinson is also facing scrutiny for calling his roommate Chris "Swaggy C" Williams, "Faggy." When the comment was made his closest friend in the house, Winston Hines was spotted laughing at the name. Robinson brushed off the use of the term "faggy" as messing up the first letter of Chris's name with that of fellow houseguest Fessy Shafaat.
Twitter users have called Robinson's comments "not an accident" and that "you don't accidentally get faggy from swaggy."
Before viewing the show's 24/7 live feed, CBS has in place a note that reads: "Big Brother is a reality show about a group of people who have no privacy 24/7. At times, the Houseguests may reveal prejudices and other beliefs that CBS does not condone. Views or opinions expressed by a Houseguest are those of the individuals speaking and do not represent the views or opinions of CBS. Viewer discretion is advised."
It is unclear how the show will continue to handle such controversies moving forward.
Most recently, similar controversies have been the cause of a show's cancellation and an executive firing. In May, ABC canceling ratings juggernaut and revival, Roseanne after its star Roseanne Barr's racist tweet comparing former President Barack Obama White House adviser Valerie Jarrett to the "Muslim brother hood" and "planet of the apes."
In late June, longtime Netflix PR chief Jonathan Friedland was fired from his post after the use of the N-word in multiple meetings.
CBS did not immediately respond to THR's request for comment on this most recent matter.
Big Brother
