Viewers are calling for fan favourites Ashley “Ash-ley” Ogle and Bongiwe “Bonni B” Booi’s immediate disqualification following insensitive remarks about Kay B’s trauma on the latest episode of Big Brother Mzansi.
This follows Kay B’s brave decision to share her story of sexual assault with the entire Big Brother house. However, some housemates were not as warm or supportive as she had hoped, especially given that it was her first time opening up about the incident.
In a statement, Women for Change condemned the insensitive remarks made by the two housemates.
“The recent conversation between Ashley and Bonni on Big Brother, which invalidated a survivor’s experience, is deeply troubling.
“When a woman bravely shares her story of sexual assault, it is vital to offer support, not judgment or mockery. Labelling Karabo ”Kay B“ Mphirime’s experience as ”attention seeking” and failing to stand with survivors are harmful microaggressions that perpetuate a culture of victim-blaming.“
The organisation further stated that the negative attitudes directed at survivors when they speak up discourage them from sharing their experiences.
“These attitudes foster a culture of silence and shame, discouraging survivors from speaking out about their experiences, and it extends far beyond the so-called ”mean girl“ behaviour - it highlights a systemic problem of rape culture. We must believe in survivors, amplify their voices, and stand with them in solidarity,” the statement reads.
Portia Hlongwane, lead PR for M-NET, said in a statement: “The opinions and views expressed in the Big Brother Mzansi season 5 house are those of the housemates and do not represent the views of Mzansi Magic, LottoStar, Robertson’s Spice and Chillers Punch. Big Brother’s rules for the house are important and he takes them seriously.
“Big Brother will continue to address any disobedient behaviour that does not adhere to Big Brother’s rules and while he is not able to force any housemates to apologise, he is determined to drive mutual respect among all housemates.”
Social media users on X openly expressed their feelings about the situation, with many demanding their removal from the show.
“#BBMzansi is slowly disappointing me. This rape issue and racist remarks could have been avoided a long time ago. Now we have victims that are called ”rape girl” and Ashley using words like “All these black people,” said @Kekeletso_Ma.
“I think, as fans, we must learn to differentiate between ENTERTAINMENT (something we want) and DIABOLICAL BEHAVIOR. We can’t just sit back and watch while a victim’s situation is being made into a joke. #BBMzansi,” said @Ntando_mos.
“Yesterday I decided not to watch Big Brother ’cause this rape issue is continuing in the house and the production team is silent @BBMzansi,” said @kekekelso.
“I’m all for entertainment but there should be a line housemates should never cross, rape stats aren’t good in South Africa, that topic during a fight should be a no-go. We tell ladies to speak out but now we find it funny that she confided to people who are now using it as a tool,” said @Twiggli.
The Star