CBS Airs Offensive Remarks By Big Brother 15 Contestants

By Liz Raftery | TV Guide

Three Big Brother 15 contestants have been chastised and/or fired by their employers after making offensive comments while being filmed for the show — and CBS devoted a segment during Sunday’s episode to showing the remarks on air.

Aaryn Gries, GinaMarie Zimmerman and Spencer Clawson have been caught making racist and homophobic remarks on the show’s online live feed on CBS.com, but the comments have thus far not been shown on the broadcast version.

Photos: Get to know the Big Brother houseguests

Sunday’s episode focused on Gries’ and Zimmerman‘s remarks, specifically highlighting Gries saying that an Asian-American contestant should “go make some rice,” and referring to another contestant as “queer.” Zimmerman was also shown making racist comments.

Both contestants have been fired from their day jobs as a result. (Clawson, who also used racial and gay slurs on the live feed, was formally censured by his employer over the weekend.)

Big Brother contestant GinaMarie fired from job after offensive comments

Watch the other houseguests addressing their statements below:

CBS had not addressed the remarks prior to Sunday’s episode. Do you agree with the network’s decision to air the comments?

Big Brother Contestant GinaMarie Fired From Job After Offensive Comments

By Natalie Abrams | TV Guide

 

 

Big Brother contestant GinaMarie Zimmerman was fired from her day job after making offensive comments on the show, TMZ.com reports.

 

Zimmerman, who worked as a pageant coordinator with East Coast USA Pageant, Inc., referred to welfare as “n—er insurance.” The company said it was shocked Zimmerman could “display such acts of hate and racism.”

 

Big Brother Contestant Aaryn fired from modeling agency for offensive comments

 

“We have never known this side of GinaMarie or have ever witnessed such acts of racism in the past,” the company told the site. “We are actually thankful that this show let us see GinaMarie for who she truly is. We would never want her to be a role model to our future contestants.”

 

The news comes hours after reports that fellow contestant Aaryn Gries had been fired from her modeling agency for her homophobic and racist remarks — calling a gay houseguest “queer,” telling Asian-American Helen to “shut up and go make some rice,” and saying, “Be careful what you say in the dark, you might not be able to see that b—-,” in reference to African-American contestant Candice.

 

Big Brother Exclusive: Take a look at the new have-not room

 

In response to the controversy, CBS told TVGuide.com in a statement, “Big Brother is a reality show about watching a group of people who have no privacy 24/7 — and seeing every moment of their lives.  At times, the Houseguests reveal prejudices and other beliefs that we do not condone. We certainly find the statements made by several of the Houseguests on the live Internet feed to be offensive.  Any views or opinions expressed in personal commentary by a Houseguest appearing on Big Brother, either on any live feed from the House or during the broadcast, are those of the individual(s) speaking and do not represent the views or opinions of CBS or the producers of the program.”

 

Big Brother: Meet the new houseguests!

 

This isn’t the first time a houseguest has been under fire for comments he or she has made. In Season 9, eventual winner Adam Jasinski was fired from the United Autism Foundation for calling the children “retards.”

‘Big Brother’ Faces Backlash Over Racist, Homophobic Comments

By Kelly Woo | Yahoo! TV

Houseguest Aaryn during the season premiere of “Big Brother 15.”

Just one week into the season, “Big Brother” is already facing a huge controversy over the cast members’ alleged racist, homophobic, and sexist comments.

Nearly half of the houseguests made such slurs, according to Reality Blurred, on the CBS show’s 24-hour online live feed. None of the remarks have aired during a broadcast episode, and it’s unclear if the network plans to do so.

CBS issued a statement distancing itself from the houseguests’ behavior:

“BIG BROTHER is a reality show about watching a group of people who have no privacy 24/7 — and seeing every moment of their lives. At times, the Houseguests reveal prejudices and other beliefs that we do not condone. We certainly find the statements made by several of the Houseguests on the live Internet feed to be offensive. Any views or opinions expressed in personal commentary by a Houseguest appearing on BIG BROTHER, either on any live feed from the House or during the broadcast, are those of the individual(s) speaking and do not represent the views or opinions of CBS or the producers of the program.”

Reality Blurred compiled examples of the many offensive comments, which include GinaMarie using the n-word, Aaryn telling Helen (who’s Asian) to “make some f—ing rice,” and Spencer calling Andy a “f-g.” Kaitlin, David, Jeremy, and Amanda also made some remarks on the live feed.

Houseguests David and Jeremy during the season premiere of “Big Brother 15.”

The backlash is building and affecting the cast members’ regular lives as well. TMZ reports that 22-year-old college student Aaryn Gries was dropped by a modeling agency. Zephyr Talent said, “Aaryn, season 15 cast member of Big Brother, revealed prejudices and other beliefs that we do not condone … Upon much consideration, we have decided to release Aaryn from her contract.”

This could become a controversy on the scale of Paula Deen-gate. The Food Network personality was fired and lost many endorsement deals after she admitted to having used the n-word in the past. Deen, dubbed the queen of Southern cooking, saw her empire crumble in just a matter of days.

[Photos: Paula Deen and 6 Other Stars Fired From TV Projects For Stupid Statements]

Various “Big Brother” fan sites called on CBS to air the bad behavior. Since viewers can vote for a most valuable player on a weekly basis this season, it’s important to know who’s talking trash on the side and should be bounced out of the MVP stakes. Former “Big Brother” houseguest Ragan Fox (Season 12) agrees. In an open letter to producers, he urged the show to include some of the conversations from the live feed in future episodes.

“Big Brother, I LOVE you, but, if you really want to provide a groundbreaking twist, SHOW CBS VIEWERS HOW SOME STRAIGHT, WHITE PEOPLE talk about gays, Asian Americans, and African Americans,” he wrote.

“Capitalize on the Paula Deen controversy! Hate speech is currently a hot topic in the United States. It would be irresponsible to punt on this issue.”

“Big Brother” airs Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Sundays on CBS.

 

Interview With Adam Poch From Big Brother 13

Interview Done Mike Wilkerson

MW: Please introduce yourself?

AP: Hello – My name is Adam, and I am a Big Brotheraholic!

MW: How did you get cast to be on Season 13 of Big Brother?

AP: After years of my friends saying “You should be on Big Brother” I finally went to an open audition for Season 10. I bombed miserably. I talked about my job, and the city I live in, not about myself. So Season 12 I went back and tried again. This time I was more relaxed and focused on showing them who Adam is & what makes me tick. I got all the way to Finals that year, but got a call about 2 weeks before the show was scheduled to start saying, “thanks, but no thanks. Try again next year” So I started going to the gym, and eating better so I could be in better physical shape for Season 13. When I tried out again, they were impressed by my dedication and my confidence level was through the roof. They could not deny me this time!

MW: What did you think going into the house?

AP: At first I thought “HOLY SH*T! I am in the Big Brother house.” But then when I only saw 7 other people, I knew something was up. Game was on, and I needed to figure out what to do to get to the end of the game.

MW: When the All-Stars were put into the house what did you think?

AP: I knew something was not quite right with just 8 people, and knew more people were coming. I was excited to see Evel Dick & Rachel as they were two of my all-time favorites to watch – but I knew it was going to be a battle competing against them.

MW: Who were you the most excited to meet?

AP: I was so excited to meet Evel Dick. He was / is my all time favorite houseguest and one of the reasons I thought I could get on the show. He was not the typical cookie cutter model that you see on the show every year. Like me, he is a rocker. I could not believe during the first challenge looking over and thinking to myself, I am playing against my hero.

MW: What did you think when Evil Dick had to leave the game?

AP: By the time Dick had left – we were in the house for almost a week and the house was already divided newbie’s vs. vets. Him leaving was sad on one hand, because I knew how much he loved the game, but on the other hand, I was excited that we “got rid” of someone on the other side of the house. This should have strengthened the newbie’s because we had better numbers, but alas it did not.

MW: Who while in the Big Brother House did you like to hang out with?

AP: Early on, I loved hanging out with Dominic, Danielle, & Lawon the most. We had some funny times just getting to know each other. Lawon & I could talk about music all day & night. Dominic & I could talk sports, and Danielle was just as sarcastic as I was. I loved trying to say things to freak her out.

MW: Who while in the Big Brother House did you not like to hang out with?

AP: There was really no one I did not like to hang out with. At times everyone got on my nerves – and I am sure I got on other people’s nerves as well. That’s what happens when you are locked up away from your loved ones. If I did not feel like being social, I would find a quiet spot, or take a nap.

MW: What do you think of the Jeff Schroeder controversy?

AP: I do not know what controversy you are speaking of. From a fans perspective – which I know very well – people criticize every move people make inside the house. That’s the fun of being a fan. Sometimes things are said / done that people at home don’t know the whole story and will blow stuff out of proportion. But as a fan going into the house, I knew to be very careful of what words I would say.

MW: What was your favorite HoH to play?

AP: Obviously the Fortune Teller one since I won it. But I loved playing in all of them, Even the ones I sucked at (which were most of them) – because it was a once in a lifetime opportunity to be in the house and compete.

MW: What was your favorite Have and Have Not to play?

AP: All of the Have / Have Not’s were brutal. Getting milked by Keith was no fun. being in the ant suit with Dominic was worse (I still have scars on my knees). And the drinking the blended crap was HORRIBLE!

MW: What was your favorite VETO to play?

AP: Big Brother Odyssey (week 5) & OTEV (week 9). Big Brother Odyssey was a very close battle between me & Jeff. The editing did not show that we were trading off the lead back and forth on our way to getting 300 points. I would be up by 4 or 5, and then he’d go on a run and go up by a few. Back and forth we went – and he eventually won 300 – 298. That showed me that I can compete with anyone in the house at any given game. I impressed myself and some of the other houseguests.  OTEV was great not just because I won – but because that is a fun challenge to play in. You need to use your brains to figure out the clue, and then find the correct answer and race to get back.

MW: What did you think of Pandora’s Box?

AP: I never was presented with a Pandora’s Box – but I do know that NO ONE in the history of the game has ever NOT taken the box. Its part of the game now for the past few seasons – so you take the good and the bad!

MW: What did you think when Tori Spelling walked into the Big Brother house?

AP: I could not believe it was really her. I mean, my summer was already a dream come true, walking into the house, playing the game, celebrating my 40th birthday. But to add to it meeting my favorite celebrity of all time? Are you kidding me? I will never in my life forget that moment!
MW: How was it eating SLOP?

AP: HORRIBLE – it’s so nasty. Thankfully I was only a have-not once all summer!

MW: You were 3rd. to last to be evicted. Could you have done anything different to make it to the end?

AP: If I did anything different before the final 3, who knows if I would have gotten to the final 3. In the final 3 – if I would have won part 2 of the final HoH – there is no doubt in my mind I would have won part 3. I spent the summer getting to know all of my fellow houseguest to prepare for the Q & A at the end, and sitting in the kitchen listening to the questions on finale night, I got 4 out of 5 right – and Rachel only got 2. Now if the jury would have voted for me – we’ll never know. Afterwards it sounded like they probably wouldn’t have, but like I said – we will never know.

MW: Do you think you would ever play Big Brother again?

AP: It’s not up to me to decide right now. I lived my dream by getting on – i am not going to harass the producers / casting people to put me back in. If they &/or the fans want me back – then I would consider it – but as of now I am happy that i had the chance to play once.

MW: What have you done since Big Brother?

AP: I have gotten very involved in charity work. I have raised money & volunteered my time for various Cancer events, ALS events, and other great causes. I would like to do my own event at some point. I was also on Travel Channel’s show BACON PARADISE 2 with my friend Wesley who owns a Bacon Bakery in NYC called the Baconery. But other than that, back to my normal routine of work, concerts, food events, hosting trivia nights, sporting events, and spending time with my friends and family. I am currently planning my wedding this spring with my fiancé Fara. She was so supportive of me the entire time I was going through the process of getting on the show, while I was in the house, and now when we do these charity events. I am so lucky to have such a wonderful girl by my side through it all.

MW: What would you like to say in closing?

AP: I am living proof that fans of reality shows can get on reality shows – so never give up on your dreams. But only you can make it happen! If you would like to know more of what I am up to, where I am going or what I am doing – follow me on twitter @HeavyMetalTeddy