This year’s series of Celebrity Traitors has been hit by a swathe of controversy over the past week, including claims of ‘unconscious bias’, reports of disgruntled celebs and leaked plotlines
After the success of last year’s Celebrity Traitors, fans eagerly awaited the arrival of series two of the hit BBC show. But, we’re just over two weeks in and the show has been hit with a swathe of controversy.
From an alleged ‘race row’ to claims a celebrity accused the production team of acting like “human traffickers” with their intense scrutiny, it’s shaping up to be on the most drama-fuelled series ever.
The cut-throat competition seems world away from last year’s spin off where comedian Alan Carr delighted viewers by being the worst Traitor ever and fooled his co-stars to win.
Here’s run down of all the upset so far….
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Myha’la’s exit and ‘race row’
Industry actress Myha’la became the second celeb to be banished after arousing suspicion with a goodbye wink at Traitor Richard E. Grand. Myh’la had also strongly defended him at the roundtable, only to switch up at the last second and vote for him to leave.
After her exit aired, she found herself at the centre of an row about whether an “unconscious racial and cultural bias” was the real reason she’d been sent home by the cast.
The conversation had already begun when Little Mix star Leigh-Anne Pinnock faced questioning at the roundtable by players who wouldn’t believe Richard was a Traitor, even though he had already admitted it.
Following Myha’la’s exit, one fan called the show “racist” and said she was only banished because she is black. In response, Myha’la acknowledged that there was an “unconscious bias in the show” but that this was not the reason she left. She also defended her co-stars, saying they were not racists.
She replied: “I understand why you feel this way, and I may have agreed with you had I not winked at Richard effectively aligning myself with a known Traitor, found and concealed then seemingly reluctantly revealed I had a shield, or (what you really don’t see much of) expressed my thoughts and feelings openly to literally everyone (which many people who get out early in this game do).
“I sealed my own fate! And that early in the game there is there is VERY little to grasp on to, and I gave them… a lot. 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 are are unfamiliar with people like me.
“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 now way consciously put bias on me because of my race.”
‘Human Traffickers’ jibe
The production team behind the Celebrity Traitors has reportedly been accused of being “like human traffickers” for preventing the cast from contacting their loved ones whenever they wanted to.
A source has claimed that one of the show’s stars lashed out over not being allowed to speak to family and friends in the breaks between filming. Producers and the other contestants were said to have been left confused by the outburst as the strict rules of the show were made clear to participants before they signed up to the BBC show.
Speaking to the Sun, the source said: “The celeb couldn’t understand why they couldn’t just call home – despite this being clearly explained to them at the start of the process.
“They kicked off and in a rant, compared the team on the show to being like human traffickers. Show insiders told the publication that phone rules are in place to ‘protect the integrity of the game’.”
The Sun have said that participants are allowed to make calls, but that they are at the discretion of producers and can only be made at select times, on a producer’s phone while a member of the production team is present.
The Mirror understands that it is usual practice for a show that is such an immersive experience to limit players contact to the outside world to protect the integrity of the game. This is thought to be common in reality game shows. This is to protect the show from leaks and spoilers, as it is filmed months in advance. Which leads us to our next controversy…
Leaked plotlines
It has been reported that the identities of the Celebrity Traitors finalists have been revealed at showbiz parties. “Because of the leak, who makes the final is now a hot topic at showbiz parties. It’s also spread how certain players get on, not helped by the fact that another source has been suggesting who’s been placed for interviews around the final,” a source said to The Sun.
“It’s vital the leaks don’t make it to gossip forums online and on social media, where fans can find the information. The BBC is hoping that anyone happening upon the info or hearing it from friends will help keep the secrets of the castle and stay quiet.
“The problem is a small group will be aware of The Celebrity Traitors’ secrets, including those who work on the show, the celebrities who ran the course and possibly their close family and friends.”
Last year’s final was also leaked, with an advanced copy of the episode appearing online in Canada. BBC executives are said to be on edge about leaks happening again, and the hope is that those who might hear who the finalists are from their friends or at events won’t reveal the names to the public.
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Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: mirror.co.uk
