Racism on Celebrity Big Brother

8.04.00am GMT Thu 18th Jan 2007

Bollywood Star Shilpa Shetty

Apologies on coming late to this debate, I haven't watched Celebrity Big Brother much in the last few days - Although I enjoy it (something mindless to watch before going to bed) I am not quite addicted, on Monday I went to see Pan's Labyrinth at the Lighthouse cinema and Sunday met up with some friends. I did however watch it last night, mainly because of the media cries of racism and (at last count) 20,000 complaints.

Well I think there was some racism, from Danielle and possibly Jade based on what I saw. Attacking Shilpa for the way she talks - which is better than either Danielle or Jade by the way, and the various statements including saying 'she should go home' and 'her ethnic group'. Now neither Danielle or Jade are particularly clever people, maybe they do not understand what they are saying is offensive, Danielle certainly seemed to be claiming this in the Diary Room. Channel Four however surely have a responsibility to not show anything offensive, but then do they also have a responsibility to show us what is happening in the house.

I think Channel Four should show us a fair reflection of what is happening, but then a number of other things should happen. The housemates should nominate Danielle and Jade (I think this will happen, but I also suspect Shilpa will be nominated), the general public should vote either Danielle or Jade out and the police should investigate if any laws have been broken (this of course may involve seeing other clips not shown).

Shilpa tonight indicated she beleives she is a victim of racism, and on what I have seen I suspect she has been. I hope she doesn't walk out this will give the racists and bullies a victory, in fact I hope she goes on to win (I was warming to her anyway).

There potentially is a bigger problem with tensions outside the Celebrity Big Brother House between the UK and India, Gordon Brown is apparently taking some flak there and also within the UK with those of Indian descent, what is this programme and these individuals showing? I live with a someone of Indian descent and she is fairly relaxed about it but I suspect there are others with real concerns.

Something needs to be done, but it is not censorship, using the law would send a much stronger message. Finally I do not want to be judge and jury having seen an hours worth of Celebrity Big Brother but will leave that to others after they examine the full evidence.