INDIA / UNITED KINGDOM: Protesters in India burn effigy over Big Brother "racism"

Indian protesters were up in arms on Wednesday (January 17) about what they say is the racist bullying of Indian film star Shilpa Shetty on British TV show "Celebrity Big Brother". Protesters in Patna carried banners and placards, demonstrating against the show's organisers and demanding strict action be taken against those who made comments. They also burnt an effigy of the show organisers. Almost 10,000 British viewers of the show have complained that Shetty, 31, had been subjected to racist abuse, prompting a investigation into the charges by British media watchdog Ofcom. "The language that has been used by some of the housemates against Shilpa Shetty does show that there is a racist base to what is going on. It's totally unacceptable to use that kind of language on live television, in a programme that is watched by millions and millions of people," said Labour lawmaker Keith Vaz. "I'm sorry if it gives them the oxygen of publicity but we simply cannot step aside and allow this kind of behaviour to continue." Contestants have been shown making fun of Shetty's name, her eating habits and Indian background. The A-list Bollywood actress was called a "dog" and reduced to tears in the "Big Brother" house, a complex of rooms and a garden where participants are locked in for the duration of the show. The show has dominated India's celebrity-obsessed media, with images of a tearful Shetty on television reports and the front pages of newspapers. The British media has reported that many viewers had complained that Shetty had been victimised by at least three of the nine housemates, including Jade Goody who featured in previous series of the programme. The housemates of the show remain unaware of the furore in the outside world. Filmed by hidden cameras, the antics of the housemates can be watched 24 hours a day, with highlights played every evening.

ITN Source | January 25, 2007

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