CBS’s Big Brother has been a summer tradition since 2000. Now in its 15th season, the reality show has seen its fair share of inappropriate behavior over the years, including violent threats and actions that have gotten a few contestants kicked out, and a number of contestants saying racist, sexist, homophobic and otherwise inappropriate things.
The sheer volume of prejudice coming out of the mouths of the current cast has made them noteworthy, however. Whereas in past seasons, it might be one or two “bad apples” spewing a few tasteless, offensive comments, this season at least half of the 16 houseguests have managed to expose themselves as bigots. A few highlights (?):
- Aaryn Gries, who is the only houseguest whose comments have aired on the show (Big Brother has a history of ignoring these controversies on the edited shows), has been one of the worst offenders. She has mocked contestant Helen Kim behind her back, saying she should, “go make some rice” as well as imitating the accents of Asian nail salon workers. She referred to houseguest Andy, who is gay, as “that queer.” She warned another houseguest to be careful what she said in the dark, because “you might not be able to see the bitch” (in reference to houseguest Candice, who is black).
- GinaMarie Zimmerman made a reference to “nigger insurance” (which, what is that, even?). She also insulted Helen by saying that she should be “kissing our ass and serving us some fucking rice.” She also said, “you know two blacks stick together. They’re like tokens.”
- Jeremy McGuire constantly refers to women as “bitches” and “c-nts”. He apparently called Helen (maybe to her face? I wasn’t clear on that) “the H-bomb”, and then later explained to Spencer that he was referring to Hiroshima and wondered if Helen was offended (for the record, Helen is Korean). He’s also used the word “faggot” and allegedly said “kike” numerous times.
- Spencer Clawson praised Hitler’s oratory abilities and spoke of the beneficial results of torturous medical experiments conducted by Nazi doctors. He also often speaks in a derogatory manner to Andy, once referring to him as “Kermit the fag” to his face. He also frequently calls women “c-nts.” In reference to Candice, he said “She doesn’t have any merits to be here. They had to have a black chick.”
- David Girton said that the sheets on one of the beds smelled bad because “black Candice” slept on them, then immediately acknowledged, “that was totally racist.” He’s since publicly apologized (David was the first person evicted from the Big Brother house).
- Amanda Zuckerman called Andy “Faggoty Ann” and refused to apologize for it when another houseguest, McCrae, called her out on it. (Though Amanda herself has expressed disgust over some of Aaryn’s worst behavior, and in fact tried to talk to Aaryn about it. Aaryn got offended, and said that people make jokes about blond women – she’s blond – so it’s okay for her to say racist, awful things nearly every hour of the day.) She also referenced “the fucking Chinamen”, apparently in reference to Helen – when told that Helen is Korean, her response was “same thing”.
- Kaitlin Barnaby said that she likes gay people but they’re “untrustworthy in a game like this.”
- Jessie Kowalski made this comment: “I think Amanda has a lot of money; she’s Jewish. I know it’s a stereotype but what Jew do you know isn’t loaded?
Honestly, these comments just comprise the tip of the iceberg – Aaryn, GinaMarie, Jeremy and Spencer rarely go more than few hours at most without saying something offensive. The hate spewing from many of these houseguests’ mouths has made an annual exercise in light summer entertainment into something considerably darker.
Jennie has contributed to Imperfect Women since its inception in 2009. She writes about politics, celebrity news, and anything else that catches her interest.
Seriously? Should I be surprised? I watched maybe the 2nd season of that show, oh so many years ago. I remember thinking they should all be voted out. This, The Bachelor, and the knock-offs are just not my taste. I’d rather watch a reality show centered around a challenge, fashion, or cute kids. I know, I know, Toddlers & Tiaras has it all!
What the heck is wrong with people?!!
I used to be a Big Brother fan. I lost interest a few season ago. I’m glad I’m not watching this nonsense because it just pisses me off.
It’s really interesting to see how it’s going over the pond – we are on around the same season I believe – it changed channels at one point and I’ve completely lost track – have to admit I am watching it again this year which I haven’t done in quite a while – ours has the subtext of ‘secrets and lies’ and Big Brother keeps keeping secrets and telling lies it’s very odd to be honest lol.x
Oh goodness, I cannot bring myself to watch this show. I just know it would enrage me somehow.
I personally can’t use my time watching shows with people who behave like that. Just can’t relate plus I have too many people in my own life to worry about. But hey, good luck with that!
I stopped watching Big Brother a long time ago. I think the show has gotten out of hand and ridiculous.
Wow….Has popularity of the show decreased and they are doing this to ramp up the ratings?
Totally unacceptable.
I have never watched the show myself. I had no idea it was that bad. I guess I am not missing anything. Thanks for sharing.
i watch the show and I can’t believe they haven’t thrown Aaryn out of the house.Last night, after Helen won HOH, all hell let loose.Aaryn tossed Candice’s mattress over and then she and Gina chick got nasty with the poor girl. they pretended to talk black to her, snapping their fingers and bobbing their heads.The other black person in the house, Howard, had to carry the Candice out before she exploded. Howard and Candice were shown later talking about how hard it is to be in the house with all the racism.Both were crying.It was heartbreaking to watch. I cried with them. they can’t walk away from these people like they can on the outside, so they have to suck it up.Watching Howards face as he was trying to get himself together was sad.You could see every emotion…I can’t describe it. Heartbreaking is the only word I can come up with.
They need to throw Aaryn and her mean girl friends out of the house and show their faces when they’re told they’ve lost their jobs and America and Canada hates them.Sorry for the long post.It’s just so wrong to watch what’s going on.
From what you have said I am very glad I have never watched this show and now never will!!
Here in India we used to watch big boss and it follows the big brother format. Thankfully it is much more cleaner with full of entertainment.
Anon in the real world, people would either be able to walk away or actually fight back, and teach the racist a lesson, KNWI? It sounds insane.
Who votes these people out? I forget. Do they vote each other out or does the audience?
I’ve never been able to watch shows like that. But I should admit that I watch very little TV as is.
Anonymous, I felt the same way watching Howard and Candice. Poor Howard. He is in such a difficult position. He wants to defend Candice, but knows that if he really goes off on these racists that he will be portrayed as the “angry black man.” He has every justification to be angry!
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Ann, they vote each other out. While last night the behavior grew more disgusting, it was actually a good night for the game. Helen (the Korean-American) won the power to decide two nominees for eviction. I think we will likely see the exit of Aaryn or Jeremy this week.
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Patty, I believe the ratings have gone up a bit (after starting out lower than last season). I’m sure some of that is due to the buzz in the media. That said, I don’t believe CBS or the producers really want this kind of publicity. Or, if they did, I think they probably want it to end now. The problem is they seem to have no clue how to handle it. I understand in the British version of the show, contestants are given one chance. If they make a derogatory remark, they are called in by producers, shown it and warned that any further remarks will cause them to immediately be sent home. They also play the offensive remarks for the home audience. That is the way to handle this nonsense, in my opinion.
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I understand people who ask “who can you watch these people ? If I wasn’t already invested, I would be asking the same thing. The thing is there are good people on the show to root for – Candice, Howard, Elissa, Helen and Judd to name my favorites. I also think that there is something to be learned from all this. We may wish to believe that these people are just a bunch of bad apples, but I think they represent the attitudes of more Americans than we really want to admit.
I must admit that this is not a show I watch. I find the ugliness to be a bit much for me. I know many people love to watch this show though and we must all respect each others opinions.
not my fav. show but i enjoy reading about it! Love the article!
I only ever saw season 1 of this show and it was a bit weird for me. Great post though. I can get updated and not have to watch it.
I stopped watching years ago! I have actually never seen the UK or American one, only the German one, but it sounds like it is pretty much the same.
I haven’t watched the show but I have heard of it being pretty wild and bold.
Honestly speaking, this show isn’t worth watching. It’s a waste of time.
I have watched this show since season 1 and I am sickened at the contestants on this season! I don’t want to watch anymore