ITV responds after Big Brother housemate used ‘gay’ slur on show

ITV has responded after a Big Brother housemate used a homophobic slur on the show.

Big Brother viewers are outraged after contestant Kerry Riches used the word 'gay' in a derogatory context during the show's livestream between 15 October and 16 October, after housemates played a prank on her.

Earlier in the week, the NHS worker secured a spot in Big Brother's 'VIP' campsite during the shopping task.

However, fellow housemates, Olivia Young and Jenkin Edwards, thought it would be funny to hide her luxury mattress.

After the prank took place, an angry Kerry used the word 'gay' in a problematic manner, saying: "Well, this is gay."

ITV

Olivia and Jenkin eventually confessed to the prank as Kerry said she wanted to take the issue to the Big Brother bosses.

A spokesperson for Big Brother has since said in a statenent: "Kerry was brought to the diary room to discuss her inappropriate use of language.

"Big Brother reminded Kerry of her respect and inclusion training prior to entering the House and the consequences of any further use of offensive language.

"Kerry understood and apologised for any offense caused."

Viewers also voiced their opinion after the incident, with one person writing: "There is nothing wrong with the word gay itself but the problem is the context in which Kerry used it."

"Oh, of course #Kerry uses gay as a derogatory word," another viewer noted.

"I hope Kerry gets reprimanded for that," said another.