Celebrity Traitors' Myha’la responds to 'unconscious racial bias' conversation that surrounds show

Celebrity Traitors star Myha'la has addressed "unconscious racial bias" claims levied against the show. The Industry actor became the second person to leave the show and the first Faithful to be banished at the Roundtable following Amol Rajan's murder.

It sparked claims of "unconscious racial bias" from fans, with two of the six people of colour in the cast leaving the show first, something that has been seen across seasons.

Following her exit, Myha'la claimed that "unconscious racial and cultural bias exists" within the show but that she "sealed [her] own fate".

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Sharing a post on Instagram about her banishment and time on the show, entrepreneur Chantel Sachanna commented: "Unfortunately you were banished because you are BLACK. This is a consistent thread in this racist show."

"I sealed my own fate! And that early in the game there is VERY little to grasp on to, and I gave them…a lot," Myha'la wrote in response, referencing her winking at banished Traitor Richard E. Grant in the previous episode.

"However, I do agree that unconscious racial and cultural bias exists in this game where my authenticity or honesty or the ways in which I choose to express myself look suspicious to people who are unfamiliar with people like me."

She continued: "I had this fear coming into the game, as I am a BIG fan and also clocked right away how prevalent this is in this game. And I came in knowing I’d be the only American (apart from Honorary British National Treasure Jerry Hall).

"I’m not saying it’s right, I’m not saying racism doesn’t exist, but I do have to defend my dear friends on this show who in no way consciously put bias on me because of my race."

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The Bodies Bodies Bodies star added: "That’s not a fair or complete assessment of what really happened in my case.

"And! I do think games like this should allow more conversation around unconscious bias and how, when under pressure, people (society) gravitate towards things they know and understand or subsequently push away from things they don’t. It’s all love, and I REALLY genuinely appreciate your support."

Views, media commentators, and psychologists across the regular and celebrity editions of The Traitors have claimed that contestants from ethnic minority backgrounds are frequently suspected of being Traitors and eliminated within the first few days of the competition based on "gut feelings" rather than more concrete evidence.

The Traitors sparked heavy debate with early eliminations such as Netty Österberg and Judy Wilson, while the first celebrity season saw Niko Omilana and Tameka Empson targeted early among the group.

The BBC declined to comment when approached by Digital Spy for comment.

Celebrity Traitors continues on Thursday at 8pm on BBC One and iPlayer.

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Freelance Reporter, Digital Spy Rebecca is a freelance journalist who specializes in TV and film. After beginning her career as a digital entertainment journalist for the Express & Star and Shropshire Star, she embarked on a freelance career in 2021 contributing to the likes of Metro UK, The Sun, WhatCulture, Screen Rant, FilmHounds Magazine and more. Her particular field of interest is horror cinema and she has written for genre publications such as Ghouls Magazine and Moving Pictures Film Club. LinkedIn