19 January 2007

'Racist' rows played down by contestants

Celebrity Big Brother contestants have played down the rows between housemates, denying that they are racist.

Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty told former Steps singer Ian 'H' Watkins "people say things in anger" and that this was not racist behaviour.

Ms Shetty has been involved in rows with housemate Jade Goody, who told the Big Brother 'diary' that what she said about Ms Shetty was "not meant in a racist way."

However, programme sponsor Carphone Warehouse has moved to distance itself from the behaviour of some of the show's contestants and pulled the plug on its sponsorship.

In the Diary Room, Big Brother quizzed Ms Goody about comments made about Ms Shetty.

Ms Goody said: "She is Indian. Thinking of an Indian name and, only thing I could think of was Indian food."

Ms Goody denied that this was racist behaviour and said she had not intended "to offend any Indians out there."

The Perfume Shop said it has decided to withdraw sales of Ms Goody's perfume.

While glamour model Danielle Lloyd was reported to have lost a modelling contract.

Channel 4, which has faced an onslaught of criticism about the show and a deluge of complaints, has refused to pull the programme.

The programme's maker has also faced criticism over the editing of some of the clips aired, but has promised to monitor the show closely.

(SP/EF)