Big Brother 2024 housemates have their social media searched and are forced to keep profiles private… as producers hope to avoid a repeat of Trish Balusa’s racist tweets scandal
As a seasoned viewer of reality TV shows, I’ve seen it all – from the dramatic to the downright bizarre. However, when it comes to Big Brother, I must admit that this year’s welfare protocols have left me quite impressed.
2024 contestants on Big Brother are undergoing thorough examinations of their social media activity, which is a necessary aspect of the program’s responsibility towards them.
On Sunday evening, viewers expressed frustration as the show’s social media platforms failed to disclose the contestants’ usernames during the launch, and when some viewers managed to locate their profiles, they discovered they were set to private.
Indeed, it appears that the action was taken with the intention of safeguarding the housemates’ well-being, a strategy reminiscent of the show’s protective measures implemented last season.
The residents have gone through extensive background verifications, which included scrutiny of their social media profiles by a third-party expert agency.
Moreover, they’ve been requested to abstain from publishing content on their personal social media platforms during their stay at the House, which is essentially a period of social media silence.
Previously, these regulations held firm; however, during that time, the show’s producers faced criticism after fans discovered offensive tweets containing racial slurs and homophobic comments from contestant Trish Balusa.
Shortly after a stay-at-home mother was removed from the Big Brother house, startling old tweets with offensive language about minorities reappeared, containing derogatory remarks that were homophobic, racist, and ableist in nature.
Over the weekend, we became aware of some troubling old tweets. (spokesperson for Big Brother)
At present, we’re investigating why the independent supplier who assesses the digital trails of prospective Housemates during our initial checks failed to identify them.
TopMob has contacted ITV in regards to the outcome of the review.
2012 posts remained undiscovered until after Trish left the house because, while they were living there, all contestants had made their social media accounts private.
Later on, Trish, aged 34, expressed her apologies regarding the controversy, admitting, “I have no justifications for the lack of knowledge I displayed earlier, and I am profoundly regretful, mortified, and ashamed that I uttered such remarks in the past.
It came to light last year that Big Brother had significantly increased its mental health resources, starting from the 2018 episode on Channel 5.
2023’s duty of care guidelines, reiterated once more, require Housemates to observe a social media hiatus, participate in workshops on respect and inclusivity, and gain access to individual mental health counseling sessions prior, throughout, and following the program’s broadcast.
This respect and inclusion training lays out guidelines for appropriate language usage and proper conduct within the House, ensuring a welcoming and considerate environment.
ITV stated that registered and skilled mental health professionals were involved throughout the entire series, with the aim of evaluating and providing assistance to the Housemates.
A proficient team focused on housemates’ wellbeing, both prior to, throughout, and following the television series, has been assigned the exclusive task by Big Brother.
Ensuring the well-being of all participants in the production of our program is our top priority. We’ve meticulously planned welfare procedures to ensure a thorough evaluation of their eligibility, clear consent, and continuous support during casting, shooting, and post-production phases.
Prior to the start of filming, all housemates are subjected to comprehensive psychological and medical evaluations. This includes consultations with an impartial physician, mental health experts, and reports from their respective general practitioners.
Roommates should share, in confidence, any pertinent medical history or related details that may impact their involvement in the Big Brother show.
ITV added that the Housemates were informed about the overall experience of participating in Big Brother, including both potential benefits and drawbacks.
As a committed follower, I’ve learned that the team behind this captivating series prioritizes mental health by receiving training in Mental Health First Aid. Additionally, they’re dedicated to fostering an environment of respect and inclusion for all involved.
ITV said the team also set out Big Brother’s expectation for appropriate behaviour and language.
The residents were given a rundown on the house rules, discussing what was expected of them and important details about living in the Big Brother House.
Furthermore, mental health specialists are there to provide continuous support to residents (Housemates) during their entire stay in the House.
The Big Brother welfare team also support friends and family with regular contact and updates.
Following departure from the Big Brother House, tailored guidance on handling social media and the press will be provided.
Immediately following a Housemate’s departure, a compulsory consultation with a mental health expert will be arranged for them as well.
Following this, additional counseling sessions tailored to each resident’s unique requirements will be offered. Support will continue until mental health professionals have collectively decided on a conclusion date for each resident.
For fourteen months following the conclusion of the series, the welfare head will remain available for continued communication, and extra assistance will be given whenever necessary.
Kym Langer, Banijay UK’s Welfare Head, emphasized that the well-being of everyone participating in Big Brother is our top priority. The welfare guidelines for Housemates ensure a thorough evaluation of their suitability to join, informed consent during the casting and filming process, and ongoing support before, during, and after production.
‘The protocols in place for the 2023 series have been carefully considered bringing together the experience of ITV’s compliance and Duty of Care team together with the independent mental health professionals we have engaged and our own in-house production, editorial, casting and support teams.’
Dr. Paul Litchfield, an independent medical reviewer for ITV, stated: ‘In the last five years, the protective steps taken to ensure the psychological well-being of participants in reality TV productions have significantly improved.’
ITV collaborates with Banijay’s team, exchanging knowledge and implementing up-to-date methods, ensuring that the 2023 version of Big Brother adheres to the latest industry standards.
Big Brother returned to ITV on Sunday with a brand new host of housemates.
16 individuals, including a former king’s butler, a football player who has lost a limb, and a lesbian psychologist, were the first to move into the famous house for a unique social experiment that would last six weeks.
Despite concerns that hosts AJ Odudu, aged 36, and Will Best, aged 39, might not be present for the live launch due to their individual health issues, they were still on board.
In the initial performance, the eclectic group took turns introducing themselves both to one another and to the audience, marking the start of their competition for the show’s 100,000-pound award.
Big Brother continues at 9pm on ITV2 and ITVX.
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2024-10-07 13:49