"Dog". She was also referred as "The Indian" and many times we have seen singer Jo from S Club 7 (who?) mimicking an Indian accent! Now many Asians in UK have taken offense and UK's media watchdog Ofcom received more than 200 complaints about alleged racism towards Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty by other contestants.
"We are investigating these complaints and if we found there was a case to be had we would speak to Channel 4 about it," an Ofcom spokeswoman said in London.
Channel 4 said: "We do not tolerate bullying or racism in any form." Big Brother is Channel 4's most popular programme.
Jackson Five' star Jermaine Jackson has consoled Shilpa by quoting his brother Michael's hit "Man in The Mirror". "They need to look in the mirror before they can make that charge," he told her.
My 2 Cents? I have seen some episodes of the show and while I am sure Shilpa knew what she was in for, the viciousness some contestants have showed her, is totally uncalled for! I have never been a fan of Shilpa Shetty but as an Indian I take offense when someone is targeted for their nationality and made fun of! Its ironic when they mimic an Indian accent, as Shilpa has a better vocabulary than most of the contestants and has shown class in most situations. The show maybe crass but Shilpa needs to stand up for herself and not be swayed by the female contestants!
Sorry, it is perhaps not true to say that she was called a 'Paki'. Somebody said something which was bleeped out so nobody, apart from the programme makers who have denied it, knows for certain what it was. It may not even have been a comment about Shilpa Shetty.
Posted by: Jean | January 16, 2007 10:14 AM | Permalink to Comment