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Reality icon Johnny Bananas addresses racism backlash over ‘misleading’ Netflix edit

BBG News

Johnny Bananas, the longtime star from MTV’s reality shows, has addressed allegations that he uttered a racially insensitive remark while participating in the live dating program Pop the Balloon on Netflix.

In April, the broadcast of the incident caused an uproar as spectators perceived that a joke he made seemed to target a Black competitor.

During an interview with DailyMail.com, a man named Bananas, aged 42, explained that the camera angle used gave the impression he was speaking to the incorrect competitor.

As reported by Bananas, the streaming version of the episode on Netflix has been revised to include a broader camera viewpoint, making it crystal clear who the contestant he was directing his remarks towards.

In response to DailyMail.com, Bananas explained that the mistake has been fixed and the video now accurately depicts whom I was conversing with during the Pop the Balloon episode. It’s evident to anyone watching that my remark in that episode was intended for a white competitor.

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DailyMail.com has reached out to Netflix for comment but has not received a response. 

Bananas emphasized, ‘Let me make this perfectly clear… Those familiar with me are well-aware of my compassionate nature and moral integrity. It’s essential to understand that I am not, nor have I ever been, a bigot, and I would never engage in any form of racist discourse towards anyone.’

At that particular instance, Bananas was seen strolling along the row of competitors, playfully making funny remarks about their toes, which he found amusing when it comes to choosing romantic partners.

He stopped at one contestant and said, ‘You look like you sleep from a tree hanging upside down.’

Responding to criticism on Twitter, where a user labeled it as racist, Bananas posted a picture from the set accompanied by an explanation of his comments.

He stated that he was speaking about the woman with feet visible beyond her footwear, who appeared to be in costume resembling a tree, whom he criticized for perpetuating a misleading account of the situation, which he deemed a “distorted version” or “untruthful story.

DailyMail.com was informed by the bananas that the interaction was intended as friendly banter, pointing out that the live nature of the event fosters an interactive and lively conversation between participants.

Or simply:
The bananas explained to DailyMail.com that the exchange was meant as playful banter, emphasizing how the live format encourages a back-and-forth dialogue among contestants.

The interaction among various performers onstage was lively and playful, with a bit of give-and-take. Jokes and jabs were exchanged all around, he noted. I found myself at the receiving end of light-hearted teasing about my age and style of dress. In return, I retorted with quick wit because the program was being broadcast live.

Regardless, Bananas admitted that the criticism had an impact on him and offered his apologies for any pain inflicted during the incident.

He acknowledged that the harm had occurred, but now that the error has been rectified, it’s important to correct the misconception.

A banana, known for its extensive 25-plus season tenure on MTV’s The Challenge along with appearances on shows like House of Villains, Love Island, and the recent U.S. rendition of The Traitors, was taken aback by the allegations, given his lengthy reality TV career.

Even after spending 19 years on TV, numerous media trainings, and filming with various people, it still surprises me that I could make such an unwise and thoughtless remark, clearly showing racial bias, during a live broadcast on national television,” he stated.

Additionally, Bananas mentioned that the dispute has resulted in considerable online backlash, even escalating to threatening messages.

He attributed the incident primarily to the camera angle and editing rather than intent.

He stated that, in his opinion, these events wouldn’t have transpired if not for the specific camera angle used and how it was edited.

‘I don’t think this was an edit done to intentionally try to harm me.’

He stated that he advocates for accountability when necessary, but believed this particular instance was a distortion or misunderstanding.

Bananas stated, ‘Accountability should stem from truthfulness.’ What transpired wasn’t accountability; instead, it was an exaggerated response driven by a distorted portrayal of events that shouldn’t have been broadcast in such a manner.

Instead of “Bananas concluded by expressing hope,” you could say, “Afterward, Bananas expressed a wish.” Then, for the second part, you could rephrase as, “This clarification is intended to clear up any confusion.” So the full sentence would be: “Afterward, Bananas expressed a wish that this clarification will help clear up any confusion.

If my actions manage to make even a single individual reconsider their perspective following the incident, or if I can win over just one person who was previously doubtful about me due to that edit, it would mean everything to me.

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2025-06-11 02:04

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