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A contestant on Big Brother has sparked over 7,000 complaints from viewers due to his conduct on the show, leading to a formal conversation about his behaviour, though some fans argue that the response from the programme is insufficient. The situation arose amid growing concerns voiced by both audiences and women’s safety organisations regarding the interactions between Omar El Mayer and fellow housemate Rhianna Collins.
On Wednesday’s episode, El Mayer was summoned to the Diary Room and admonished for using language and showing behaviour that might offend others. Despite this, he denied ignoring Collins’ emotions, stating he fully understood the concerns but maintained that he had not dismissed her feelings. He asserted, “I’ve acknowledged my housemate’s feelings,” and explained that he challenges people when he disagrees with them but does not invalidate how they feel.
The tensions between Collins and El Mayer had been escalating over several days, with Monday’s broadcast featuring a particularly intense exchange that triggered a significant backlash. Ofcom, the broadcast regulator, revealed it had received 7,138 complaints about this episode. In the show, Collins is seen ending their relationship and admitting in a Diary Room interview that their connection had deteriorated. She expressed discomfort with how El Mayer spoke to her, saying, “Sometimes I don’t like the way he speaks to me.” Their interactions included Collins urging to avoid arguments, and El Mayer responding with, “Then don’t say mad things that you don’t mean. It’s not fair… sort it out, get it together.”
Women’s Aid and Refuge have publicly criticized El Mayer’s conduct, describing it as worrying and have urged the show’s producers to take stronger measures to ensure contestants’ safety. ITV has confirmed that it prioritises welfare and safeguarding throughout production. According to the broadcaster, housemates undergo training focused on respect and inclusion, receive thorough briefings to prepare them for life in the Big Brother house, and are monitored continuously. A welfare team is also available to offer support if needed. Despite these assurances, some viewers remain unconvinced, calling for firmer action including formal warnings against El Mayer. Ofcom is currently reviewing the complaints but has not yet announced whether it will launch a formal investigation
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