ITV has edited and reuploaded a Big Brother episode, sparking huge controversy.
It’s claimed Tuesday’s episode was taken down from streaming service ITVX before being reuploaded with an edit removing housemate Ali’s watermelon T-shirt.
The symbol, which is in the colours of the Palestinian flag, has become synonymous with the pro-Palestine movement amid the ongoing war, which has killed more than 42,000 people in Gaza since the Hamas attacks in Israel on October 7.
It first emerged in 1967 after the Six-Day War, after public displays of the Palestinian flag became a criminal offense in Gaza and the West Bank, according to Time.
Her T-shirt appears to be Wear The Peace’s Freedom Melon Tee, which donates 100% of profits (around £8 after manufacturing costs) to charity Pious Projects of America, with funds used by the on-ground team in Gaza to supply food, water, medical aid and other necessities.
The back of the T-shirt also reads: ‘100% of profits donated to pious projects for aid to humans in Gaza.’
However, Ali’s T-shirt has sparked an antisemitism row, with charity Campaign Against Antisemitism submitting a complaint to Ofcom.
They shared a statement on social media, writing: ‘How is this becoming the norm?
‘A Big Brother (@bbuk) ‘housemate’ was seen wearing a T-shirt depicting the map of Israel as a watermelon—a symbol widely associated with anti-Israel sentiment.
‘This graphic has caused significant distress among the British Jewish community, who regard it as a genocidal message similar to the slogan ‘From the River to the Sea’ which calls for the elimination of the world’s only Jewish state.
‘How did the show’s staff allow this shirt to be worn, let alone broadcast it on national television?
‘This incident represents a serious violation of broadcasting standards. We have submitted a complaint to @Ofcom.’
Metro has now confirmed that Tuesday’s Big Brother episode and the spin-off Late and Live were edited to remove the image.
A Big Brother spokesperson said: ‘All Housemate items are checked by our production team before they go into the Big Brother House to ensure they comply with the Rules and compliance requirements.
‘Big Brother does not allow any personal items into the House that could be deemed harmful.
‘We regret that the implications of this particular item of clothing were not fully understood in our bag checks or prior to broadcast of last night’s show.
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‘We apologise to any viewers who have been offended by the broadcast and assure viewers that Big Brother was unaware of the implications of the image.
‘The item of clothing has been removed from the House. The Housemate has been spoken to and they have expressed that they are unaware of the implications and did not wish to cause any harm or offence.
‘Any offensive messaging associated with the image does not reflect the values or beliefs of Big Brother.’
The editing has sparked controversy from viewers, with many questioning why other aspects of the show, such as Nathan’s political comments, Ryan’s ‘anti-woke’ views, and Marcello’s allegedly misogynistic comments are still allowed.
Big Brother airs weekdays at 9pm on ITV2.
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