Reality television, with its promise of unfiltered drama and human interaction, has captivated audiences worldwide. However, the quest for ratings and sensational content has often led to controversies and ethical dilemmas. Big Brother, one of the most popular reality TV franchises, is no stranger to scandals, particularly in its various international editions.
There have been accusations of rape and sexual assault in Big Brother houses across the world, with critics accusing producers of standing by and watching the attacks take place.
Let's delve into some of the most prominent scandals that have plagued the Big Brother franchise.
Sexual Assault Allegations in South Africa
A contestant on South Africa's Big Brother has been expelled from the show following allegations of sexual assault. Siyanda Ngwenya and Axola Mbengo were last seen kissing in bed, and he has since been accused of sexually assaulting her while she slept, South Africa's IOL News reports.
Mbengo told her fellow contestants that she did not consent to the sexual activity and she has been removed from the house "for her own well-being". It is unclear if charges have been filed.
Read also: Read more about Big Brother South Africa
"At this stage it is not exactly clear what transpired between [the pair]," the broadcaster Mzansi Magic said in a statement. "Having suspected that there may have been an incident of sexual misconduct, [we] acted by removing both individuals from the house."
The broadcaster is facing growing calls to axe the programme, as a similar incident occurred in 2007. Richard Bezuidenhout penetrated a fellow contestant's vagina with his fingers while she lay comatose of the floor. He was not expelled and went on to win the show.
However, viewers of the incident, which took place on Saturday afternoon after an extended drinking bout which ended in copious vomiting and apparent blackout for Molokwu, remain adamant about what they saw: Bezuidenhout lay down next to the comatose young woman and penetrated her vagina with his fingers. He carried on despite the pleas of another female housemate for him to stop. Under a new Bill in South Africa - where, on average, a woman is sexually assaulted every 40 seconds - such an act would constitute rape.
Bezuidenhout, who is married, finally desisted and went off to sit by himself after drunkenly sniffing his fingers. At this point the producers of the show did intervene, sending paramedics into the house and cutting the live feed.
Bezuindehout, defending his sexual behaviour in a show that has featured copious nudity, recently told his housemates, "Well, this is Africa."
Read also: Deep Dive: Goodbye Brother Scene
Editor's note: Richard Bezuindenhout went on to win the programme, and the $100,000 cash prize.
How Do Reality TV Producers Address Legal and Ethical Issues? - The Reality Radar
Other International Incidents
- In 2012, a contestant in Brazil was investigated by police after footage was shown of him allegedly raping a woman who had passed out.
- In Australia in 2006, two Big Brother housemates were suspended for holding down a woman and rubbing their genitals in her face. "There is no indication that she was unconscious at the time," said Joseph Hundah, an executive at M-Net.
Read also: A Story of Two Pitchers
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