ITV responds to Big Brother fans' complaints about Omar's behaviour

ITV has issued a statement after Big Brother fans voiced concern over Omar’s behaviour towards Rhianna. Following Monday's episode, fans on social media called for producers to "step in" after Rhianna was reduced to tears.

"All Housemates receive Respect and Inclusion training and an extensive briefing from the Big Brother Senior team to prepare them for living in the House and to set out Big Brother’s expectations for appropriate behaviour and language," read the statement.

"Housemates are monitored 24 hours a day and any instances of inappropriate behaviour are responded to appropriately.

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"Welfare and safeguarding are prioritised throughout the production, with a dedicated welfare team available to support Housemates before, during and after their time in the House," the statement continued.

On Monday's episode Rhianna said she felt dismissed by Omar after he said he wasn't sure she was "mature enough" for them to have a conversation.

Later they had another heated discussion after which Rhianna was called to the Diary Room where Big Brother asked if she was okay, to which Rhianna replied: "Sometimes I just don't like the way he speaks to me."

Speaking about Omar, Rhianna added: "I love him so much, and it's just so difficult." She continued: "I want to go back to how we normally are, but I just don't know how."

On X one viewer wrote: "I think everyone needs to file [an] ofcom complaint because that behaviour is actually f**king disgusting."

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Another added: "Very, very uncomfortable watch #bbuk @bbuk surely there is a duty of care to step in."

A third viewer wrote: "Big Brother really needs to intervene between Omar and Rhianna and call out the abhorrent actions of Omar. The way he speaks to her, the double standards and all the red flags are so concerning for her and any other potential future partners."

Big Brother continues tonight at 9pm on ITV2 and ITVX.

If you've been affected by any of the issues raised in this story, organisations including Refuge and Women's Aid can provide further support and information. The 24-hour, freephone National Domestic Abuse Helpline is 0808 2000 247.

The US National Domestic Violence Hotline is 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), or text LOVEIS to 22522.

Reporter, Digital Spy  

Stephanie is a freelance news writer, who previously covered WWE and AEW for Digital Spy.

After graduating with a degree in history from Queen Mary University, London, she studied journalism at Birkbeck University.

Outside of her work at Digital Spy, she writes about pop culture, with a special focus towards Irish media and how it intersects with politics.