Ofcom investigates Big Brother
Conor McIntyre (23) who is taking part in the Derry Heat of the Rose of Tralee Escort competition which takes place in the City Hotel on Sunday the 17th of April. Picture Martin McKeown. Inpresspics.com. 8.4.11
Ofcom have confirmed that they are investigating a number of complaints surrounding the Channel 5 treatment of the Derry housemate Conor McIntyre. Treatment Conor’s mother described as “sickening.”
Conor’s supporters have labelled the stance of the show and in particular an episode of Big Brother: Bit on The Side featuring John McCririck, as “anti-Irish.” The Community Network in Derry has also complained to Ofcom and Big Brother.
Ofcom confirmed that they received most complaints, 1,108, following a verbal tirade by Conor against a female housemate. One complaint to Ofcom described BBBOTS as; “Vile offensive and a personal attack on Conor McIntyre. The host, the panel guests and the audience were not only allowed but inticed to verbally abuse and degrade Conor and the Irish public.” Conor’s mother, Siobhan said of McCririck’s comments: “I was really angry that he was allowed to say that. It was intimidating to listen to, they keep saying get the Irish lad out.”
Of Conor’s outburst his family say they were “shocked by it, but they are out of character.”
Father Eddie said: “Conor’s outburst was three weeks ago and they are still going on about it but a possible racist comment by another housemate hasn’t been mentioned.”
It is expected Big Brother will make an announcement on a “special show” on Wednesday. For his part Conor escaped eviction on Friday, his parents admitted they couldn’t watch the programme. “It’s too stressful,” said Mrs McIntyre. Scenes of her emotionally upset son were also broadcast on Friday. “It’s just as well I wasn’t there otherwise I would have said ‘open them doors, he’s coming with me.’ But this is what he signed up for.”
To keep Conor on Big Brother call 0901 616 1701 or text 650 58 07.
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Friday 24 May 2013
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