ITV responds to backlash against Big Brother star Omar as fans call out 'toxic' behaviour

ITV has issued a response after Monday’s episode of Big Brother led to widespread calls for the removal of Omar over his alleged treatment of Rhianna.

The two contestants have been a couple for most of the current series. However, tensions spilled over in recent days.

They have been unable to make amends and Rhianna told Omar they would be better suited as friends.

Fans, however, have called for Big Brother producers to step in. They pointed to a moment Omar told Rhianna to 'sort yourself out' and whispered to Rhianna 'don’t talk about me to other people' in front of other housemates.

At one point, Rhianna was called into the diary room and told: "Big Brother just wanted to check that you're okay?"

She replied: "Sometimes I just don't like the way he speaks to me."

One viewer urged others to make complaints to Ofcom.

Scenes broadcast in Monday's episode sparked outrage (ITV)

ITV told Tyla that Big Brother contestants 'are monitored 24 hours a day and any instances of inappropriate behaviour are responded to appropriately'.

Veronica Oakeshott, Head of External Affairs at Women’s Aid, has raised concerns about the portrayal of relationships like this on Big Brother, warning that it risks minimising survivors’ experiences.

Oakeshott explained that abuse often begins with warning signs before escalating into other forms of harm.

“The nature of abuse means that it often begins with ‘red flag’ coercive and controlling behaviours like isolating you from friends or repeatedly putting you down, before escalating into other forms of abuse,” she said in a statement shared with Tyla.

She added that coercive control can have a significant impact on survivors’ lives, stating: “Coercive control creates invisible chains and a sense of fear that impacts every element of a survivor's life.”

Oakeshott also expressed concern about the behaviours being given a platform on Big Brother, revealing that Women’s Aid had received messages from concerned viewers.

Viewers have called Omar and Rhianna's scenes uncomfortable (ITV)

“Not only does Big Brother risk minimising survivors’ experiences, it also risks presenting abuse as a form of entertainment,” she said.

She stressed that television producers have a responsibility to protect contestants’ wellbeing, adding: “The women in these programmes are real people and need real support.”

A Big Brother spokesperson issued a statement to Tyla which said: “All Housemates receive Respect and Inclusion training and an extensive briefing from the Big Brother Senior team to prepare them for living in the House and to set out Big Brother’s expectations for appropriate behaviour and language.

“Housemates are monitored 24 hours a day and any instances of inappropriate behaviour are responded to appropriately. Welfare and safeguarding are prioritised throughout the production, with a dedicated welfare team available to support Housemates before, during and after their time in the House."

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