• Tools:
• Save |
• Print |
• E-mail |
• Most Popular |

'Big Brother' racial slur eviction

Adjust font size:

LONDON, England -- A contestant on Britain's "Big Brother" reality TV show, has been kicked off for using a racially offensive word against another housemate.

Emily Parr's dismissal follows a row on a celebrity version of the popular show earlier in the year involving Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty who was racially abused by fellow housemates. (Watch how a television show put racism on UK's national agenda )

Broadcaster Channel 4 was ordered by TV regulator Ofcom to issue an apology for its handling of the row, which sparked street protests in India, before the eighth series of the popular reality show began nine days ago. (Read about the former contestant accused of racism)

Channel 4 said Parr was heard using a racial slur while dancing with her housemate Charley in the living room.

A statement from the UK's Commission for Racial Equality said it was relieved that Channel 4 had acted quickly to resolve the issue. The commission said the incident would show racism would not be tolerated in any form.

"We can see from this incident that there is no stereotype of a racist, they come from all walks of life, education and social background," the statement said. "Two series of 'Big Brother,' two racist incidents -- this just shows how prevalent racism is in Britain today." (Watch how "Celebrity Big Brother" sparked outcries of racism )

Parr's online "Big Brother" profile describes her as a "fashionable drama student" and an "indie chick with the heart of a middle-class politician who has no time for those who don't live up to her high standards."

Parr's housemate Charley admits to losing her temper easily and includes racism among her dislikes.

According to the "Big Brother" Web site, there had been growing tensions between the two.

Reuters contributed to this report.

Get up-to-the minute news from CNN CNN.com gives you the latest stories and video from the around the world, with in-depth coverage of U.S. news, politics, entertainment, health, crime, tech and more.

---

• Knox found guilty of murder
• Star-studded cast comes together in 'Nine'
• Fatal blast at Russian nightclub
• The evidence against Amanda Knox
• Hosts South Africa drawn against France

• Irish PM to quit over payments scandal
• NATO chief: Afghan troop increase likely
• Militants hunted as calm retuns to Basra
• Pressure on Bush to skip Olympics
• BA sending misplaced T5 baggage to Milan