Luke Valentine from ‘Big Brother’ season 25.Photo:Sonja Flemming/CBS
Sonja Flemming/CBS
Luke Valentine, a houseguest onBig Brotherseason 25, has been removed from the series after using a racial slur on a Paramount+ live feed.
CBS andBig Brother’s producers confirmed the news in a statement to PEOPLE on Wednesday.
“Luke violated theBig Brothercode of conduct and there is zero tolerance in the house for using a racial slur. He has been removed from the house. His departure will be addressed in Thursday night’s show," the statement reads.
Valentine’s removal came after he was caughtusing the N-word during a conversationon Paramount+’s live feeds.
“Production should remove Luke. Set an example. Show current and future players that language like that will not be tolerated,”tweetedAndy Herren, who wonBig Brotherin season 15. “Hoping they actually do the right thing and address Luke’s comment. The way it so casually came out of his mouth is really upsetting.”
Big Brotherseason 21 competitor Kat Dunnwrote, “Big Brotherneeds to expel Luke, it’s just how it is. At this point, keeping him in the house would be a slap in the face to every person who has stood up for or tried to change the racist allegations that the show has experienced in the past. We’ve come too far for some random dude to come in and ruin it week 1. #BB25”
‘Big Brother’ season 25 cast.CBS
CBS
This isn’t the first timeBig Brotherhas been embroiled in racial controversy.
In season 22, contestant Memphis Garrett faced criticism after he was accused of calling David Alexander, who is Black, the N-word. An online petition and CBS investigation followed but the network ultimately determined he had not said the slur, perVariety.
That same season, fans slammed the CBS reality show foralleged racist remarks and behaviorafter three contestants of color were eliminated. In a statement to PEOPLE at the time, CBS addressed the backlash and denied that the show’s casting was “racially motivated.”
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Big Brotherairs Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays at 8 p.m. ET on CBS.
source: people.com
