The "Big Brother" racism controversy has resulted in another job loss. According to TMZ, housemate GinaMarie Zimmerman has been fired from her day job after being caught using racial slurs on the show's live feeds.
Zimmerman has been an employee of East Coast USA Pageant, Inc. for the past five years, but TMZ reports that the company has severed ties with the pageant coordinator after she was heard insulting Asian-American houseguest Helen Kim, telling another contestant, "Andy was like, 'I'm gonna punch her in the face,' and I was like, 'Maybe that'll make her eyes straight.'" TMZ also reports that Zimmerman used the n-word on the uncensored internet feeds.
"We have never known this side of GinaMarie or have ever witnessed such acts of racism in the past," a representative for the organization reportedly told TMZ. "We are actually thankful that this show let us see GinaMarie for who she truly is.
Zimmerman has been an employee of East Coast USA Pageant, Inc. for the past five years, but TMZ reports that the company has severed ties with the pageant coordinator after she was heard insulting Asian-American houseguest Helen Kim, telling another contestant, "Andy was like, 'I'm gonna punch her in the face,' and I was like, 'Maybe that'll make her eyes straight.'" TMZ also reports that Zimmerman used the n-word on the uncensored internet feeds.
"We have never known this side of GinaMarie or have ever witnessed such acts of racism in the past," a representative for the organization reportedly told TMZ. "We are actually thankful that this show let us see GinaMarie for who she truly is.
- 7/4/2013
- by Laura Prudom
- Huffington Post
CBS has responded to the growing controversy over racist and homophobic statements made by several "Big Brother" contestants that were captured on the reality show's live Internet feed. In a statement issued Tuesday night, the network said the "offensive" comments reveal "prejudices ... that we do not condone."
The full statement from CBS is below:
“'Big Brother' is a reality show about watching a group of people who have no privacy 24/7 -- and seeing every moment of their lives. At times, the Houseguests reveal prejudices and other beliefs that we do not condone. We certainly find the statements made by several of the Houseguests on the live Internet feed to be offensive. Any views or opinions expressed in personal commentary by a Houseguest appearing on 'Big Brother,' either on any live feed from the House or during the broadcast, are those of the individual(s) speaking and...
The full statement from CBS is below:
“'Big Brother' is a reality show about watching a group of people who have no privacy 24/7 -- and seeing every moment of their lives. At times, the Houseguests reveal prejudices and other beliefs that we do not condone. We certainly find the statements made by several of the Houseguests on the live Internet feed to be offensive. Any views or opinions expressed in personal commentary by a Houseguest appearing on 'Big Brother,' either on any live feed from the House or during the broadcast, are those of the individual(s) speaking and...
- 7/3/2013
- by The Huffington Post
- Huffington Post
CBS is distancing itself from statements made by several Big Brother 15 houseguests. Though there has been no indication of racial, homophobic and misogynistic slurs in the two episodes that have been broadcast on CBS, subscribers to the 24-hour live feeds on CBS.com have been privy to such remarks -- prompting viewer outrage and even online petitions. (Reality TV website Reality Blurred has compiled a list of the houseguests' statements since feeds went up on June 26.) Former Big Brother competitor Ragan Fox (season 12) penned an open letter to CBS asking the network to show the houseguests'
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- 7/3/2013
- by Philiana Ng
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The "Big Brother" live feeds are always streaming, and they've captured some racist and homophobic and comments from the show's contestants.
In a video, GinaMarie, Aaryn and Kaitlin take turns hurling stereotypes at their Asian, African-American and gay competitors in a conversation that was edited out of the reality show's CBS airing.
Aaryn and GinaMarie first made fun of Helen, an Asian-American contestant. "Dude, shut up, go make some rice," Aaryn says. Later, GinaMarie adds, "Andy was like, 'I'm gonna punch her in the face,' and I was like, 'Maybe that'll make her eyes straight.'"
The conversation then turned to Howard and Candice, two African-American contestants. "Blacks stick together ... They're like tokens ... They're like black Barbie and Kens," someone on the tape says, before another voice says that Candice's "blackness" was coming out.
They then worried aloud about Andy getting the Mvp "because everybody loves the queers."
Zap...
In a video, GinaMarie, Aaryn and Kaitlin take turns hurling stereotypes at their Asian, African-American and gay competitors in a conversation that was edited out of the reality show's CBS airing.
Aaryn and GinaMarie first made fun of Helen, an Asian-American contestant. "Dude, shut up, go make some rice," Aaryn says. Later, GinaMarie adds, "Andy was like, 'I'm gonna punch her in the face,' and I was like, 'Maybe that'll make her eyes straight.'"
The conversation then turned to Howard and Candice, two African-American contestants. "Blacks stick together ... They're like tokens ... They're like black Barbie and Kens," someone on the tape says, before another voice says that Candice's "blackness" was coming out.
They then worried aloud about Andy getting the Mvp "because everybody loves the queers."
Zap...
- 7/1/2013
- by The Huffington Post
- Huffington Post
Big Brother host Julie Chen teased there would be a "familiar face" among the season 15 cast announced Thursday - and it belongs to former contestant Rachel Reilly's sister Elissa Slater. "I've always loved Big Brother and I've always wanted the opportunity to do it," Slater tells People. "I hope people at home see that I am in it to win it and a force to be reckoned with." Slater, 27, is one of 16 houseguests competing for the $500,000 prize during season 15 of the CBS reality show - the largest cast ever. "Forming an alliance is my main strategy," says the nutritionist and yoga instructor.
- 6/20/2013
- by Patrick Gomez
- PEOPLE.com
Big Brother host Julie Chen teased there would be a "familiar face" among the season 15 cast announced Thursday – and it belongs to former contestant Rachel Reilly's sister Elissa Slater.
"I've always loved Big Brother and I've always wanted the opportunity to do it," Slater tells People. "I hope people at home see that I am in it to win it and a force to be reckoned with."
Slater, 27, is one of 16 houseguests competing for the $500,000 prize during season 15 of the CBS reality show – the largest cast ever.
"Forming an alliance is my main strategy," says the nutritionist and yoga instructor.
"I've always loved Big Brother and I've always wanted the opportunity to do it," Slater tells People. "I hope people at home see that I am in it to win it and a force to be reckoned with."
Slater, 27, is one of 16 houseguests competing for the $500,000 prize during season 15 of the CBS reality show – the largest cast ever.
"Forming an alliance is my main strategy," says the nutritionist and yoga instructor.
- 6/20/2013
- by Patrick Gomez
- People.com - TV Watch
Big Brother 13 may bring back one of the first 4 evicted houseguests. According to Big Brother Network, when the first evicted houseguest of this season Keith Henderson left the house,it was revealed that they were only doing email interviews at this point,which indicates that Keith has been sequestered. That also means the 2nd evictee from last night Cassi has been sequestered also. Since they are suspected of being sequestered,that means they could come back into the game at a later date. Also Ragan Fox from Big Brother 12 said he's about 90 percent sure this is what CBS has in mind for this season as they are long overdue for this type of twist to happen again. Also, Evel Dick surprisingly left the season,so CBS definitely has room in their schedule to bring one of the houseguests back.
Big Brother 13 May Bring Back One Of The First 4 Evicted Houseguests is a post from: ontheflix.
Big Brother 13 May Bring Back One Of The First 4 Evicted Houseguests is a post from: ontheflix.
- 7/22/2011
- by Andre
- OnTheFlix
Ragan Fox and Matt Hoffman had the second-biggest showmance of "Big Brother 12." Can their friendship survive after Ragan learned of Matt's lie about his wife's illness? Both contestants are confident that it will.
"Matt and I are going to be very, very close friends, probably for the rest of our lives," says Ragan. "We just have a really good friendship chemistry and I'm trying to get over the duplicity that happened in the house because 'Big Brother' is not reality but it's not not reality."
"Ultimately, his lack of loyalty got me is what got him where he ended up in the game," he continues. "I think ultimately if he was more loyal to me than those boys, we could've been at the end."
"Ragan and I will be cuddling a lot tonight if Stacy will allow it," laughs Matt. "We are going to be friends for life,...
"Matt and I are going to be very, very close friends, probably for the rest of our lives," says Ragan. "We just have a really good friendship chemistry and I'm trying to get over the duplicity that happened in the house because 'Big Brother' is not reality but it's not not reality."
"Ultimately, his lack of loyalty got me is what got him where he ended up in the game," he continues. "I think ultimately if he was more loyal to me than those boys, we could've been at the end."
"Ragan and I will be cuddling a lot tonight if Stacy will allow it," laughs Matt. "We are going to be friends for life,...
- 9/17/2010
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
Big Brother 12 Ragan talks evil Rachel & more in new interview clip. CBS caught up to the very funny gay guy Ragan Fox who finished in 5th place on Big Brother 12, in the backyard interviews last night. He revealed that it was very difficult. He said, "The first three weeks in the house, I was under so much psychological and emotional duress that I was having physiological reactions. I couldn't go to sleep. Not being able to discern between if someone is being nice to you because they genuinely like you,or if they're trying to get ahead in the game. That takes a toll. All these little moments like being a "have not" for me,became a metaphor for bigger things in my life,like being gay,not having the same rights as everybody else,not having a father. So, I was always connecting the dots from Big Brother to bigger aspects of my life.
- 9/16/2010
- by Chris
- OnTheFlix
Hayden Moss, a 24-year-old college student from Tempe, Arizona trampled all the HouseGuests in "Big Brother" season 12 and won the votes from most of his peers. He won the competition by a vote of 4 to 3 and consequently took home the $500,000 prize.
On the finale night, Hayden went head to head with his alliance member and friend, Lane Elenburg, in the final Head of Household competition. He won it and picked Lane into the Final Two. In the final voting, Kathy Hillis, Matt Hoffman, Enzo Palumbo and Ragan Fox voted for Hayden while, Britney Haynes, Rachel Reilly and Brendon Villegas voted for Lane.
Lane is settled for $50,000 as the runner up while Britney won America's Favorite Houseguest title and $25,000.
Dubbed "The Animal", Hayden won a lot of challenges throughout the season including a trip to Hawaii and $5,000 in cash. He formed a close knit of brotherhood with Enzo, Matt, and Lane...
On the finale night, Hayden went head to head with his alliance member and friend, Lane Elenburg, in the final Head of Household competition. He won it and picked Lane into the Final Two. In the final voting, Kathy Hillis, Matt Hoffman, Enzo Palumbo and Ragan Fox voted for Hayden while, Britney Haynes, Rachel Reilly and Brendon Villegas voted for Lane.
Lane is settled for $50,000 as the runner up while Britney won America's Favorite Houseguest title and $25,000.
Dubbed "The Animal", Hayden won a lot of challenges throughout the season including a trip to Hawaii and $5,000 in cash. He formed a close knit of brotherhood with Enzo, Matt, and Lane...
- 9/16/2010
- by AceShowbiz.com
- Aceshowbiz
Everyone congratulate Ragan Fox for making it to fifth place on Big Brother! (Lord knows he congratulated himself enough during those endurance challenges.) But ultimately the 34-year-old college professor was undone by a showtunes-loving animatronic clam. The newly evicted houseguest stopped en route to the Jury House to enjoy an exclusive video chat with yours truly (and a special guest), and wouldn’t you know it, he unloaded on everyone’s favorite houseguest from hell, Rachel. Ragan talks about their big confrontation in the house — just look at the veins bulging in his neck in that photo! — as well as...
- 9/4/2010
- by Dalton Ross
- EW.com - PopWatch
Ragan Fox has admitted that he considered telling his fellow Big Brother houseguests about his role as Saboteur. The college professor - who was evicted during this week's live broadcast - was chosen by viewers to complete a series of tasks that would disrupt the house over a period of two weeks. "After I didn't win [Power of] Veto, I was at my lowest point in the game. I was like a kid who doesn't get his way and wants to take his toy and go home," he explained to Digital Spy. "In that moment, yes, I thought I would tell everyone that I (more)...
- 9/4/2010
- by By Jennifer Still
- Digital Spy
Ragan Fox was the latest evicted houseguest on "Big Brother 12." He tells Zap2it about his time in the house, being the saboteur and that he really does hate Rachel.
Are you glad you did "Big Brother"? Was it a positive experience overall?
Yes - I would do it a million times over.
How come you seemed to just roll over and die this week after you lost the Pov competition?
Because I am a very perceptive person. I knew that neither Lane nor Enzo was ever going to give me a vote to stay in the house. I knew I could get Britney's vote, but that would have been the only vote I could have gotten. The competitions were do or die for me. When I didn't win... well it was do or die, you get it.
How do you think the houseguests will react when they find out you were the saboteur?...
Are you glad you did "Big Brother"? Was it a positive experience overall?
Yes - I would do it a million times over.
How come you seemed to just roll over and die this week after you lost the Pov competition?
Because I am a very perceptive person. I knew that neither Lane nor Enzo was ever going to give me a vote to stay in the house. I knew I could get Britney's vote, but that would have been the only vote I could have gotten. The competitions were do or die for me. When I didn't win... well it was do or die, you get it.
How do you think the houseguests will react when they find out you were the saboteur?...
- 9/3/2010
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
Ragan Fox has said that he genuinely dislikes former Big Brother houseguest Rachel Reilly. The 34-year-old - who was eliminated during Thursday night's live broadcast - admitted that he was annoyed by Reilly's "erratic" behaviour and her attacks on other contestants. "As Rachel's behaviour became more and more erratic, I realised she wasn't somebody that I cared to be friends with or allies with in the house," he told Digital Spy. "The tipping point for me was when (more)...
- 9/3/2010
- by By Jennifer Still
- Digital Spy
With Ragan on the block with him, Hayden, along with Enzo, still wants Britney out of the house. Tough luck. Lane thinks Britney is ideal to take to the end, and he just might.
Back to the wall, Ragan tries to convince Britney to keep him and Lane to break a tie in his favor. His main argument? That the jury hates Ragan more than them! Compelling!
Did it work, though, or was this just Big Brother's editing to leave us in suspense? Ragan didn't make terrible points ... but you know guys (and Britney). They stick together.
Ultimately, Ragan Fox went home by the vote of 2-0.
The most interesting part of last night, hands down, was the first glimpse into the jury house. That place looks pretty cushy, but the mood soured when Matt revealed his lie.
It is pretty incredible, the extent to which he took it.
Back to the wall, Ragan tries to convince Britney to keep him and Lane to break a tie in his favor. His main argument? That the jury hates Ragan more than them! Compelling!
Did it work, though, or was this just Big Brother's editing to leave us in suspense? Ragan didn't make terrible points ... but you know guys (and Britney). They stick together.
Ultimately, Ragan Fox went home by the vote of 2-0.
The most interesting part of last night, hands down, was the first glimpse into the jury house. That place looks pretty cushy, but the mood soured when Matt revealed his lie.
It is pretty incredible, the extent to which he took it.
- 9/3/2010
- by steve@iscribelimited.com (L.J. Gibbs)
- TVfanatic
Last night's Big Brother featured a nasty war of words between gay housemate Ragan Fox and red-headed troublemaker Rachel.
Rachel was unanimously voted out of the house last week when she was put up for eviction along with her showmance boyfriend Brendon.
No one other than Brendon was sad to see her go, but through a conflict-generating show twist called "Pandora's Box" she was brought back into the house for 24 hours.
She and Ragan went to town on one another, and frankly this was no one's shining moment. (Commenting on someone's chin pimples is probably out of bounds there, Ragan.)
But Rachel's comeback - that she loves gay people, but Ragan "sucks at being gay" - was sublimely inane.Honestly, chin pimples are the least of Rachel's problems.
You can check out the whole nasty kerfuffle in the clip below. Interestingly the rest of the housemates seemed frozen in place watching from the sidelines.
Rachel was unanimously voted out of the house last week when she was put up for eviction along with her showmance boyfriend Brendon.
No one other than Brendon was sad to see her go, but through a conflict-generating show twist called "Pandora's Box" she was brought back into the house for 24 hours.
She and Ragan went to town on one another, and frankly this was no one's shining moment. (Commenting on someone's chin pimples is probably out of bounds there, Ragan.)
But Rachel's comeback - that she loves gay people, but Ragan "sucks at being gay" - was sublimely inane.Honestly, chin pimples are the least of Rachel's problems.
You can check out the whole nasty kerfuffle in the clip below. Interestingly the rest of the housemates seemed frozen in place watching from the sidelines.
- 8/19/2010
- by dennis
- The Backlot
"Are you the biggest bitch because you're gay?" - Rachel to Ragan
The concept of Pandora's Box either ruins the integrity of Big Brother (we know, we know) or makes the game even more compelling, depending on your point of view.
No one can refute that it really shakes things up, though.
For the second time in as many weeks, someone opened it. We'd love to see someone pass, saying, eh, I'm just not feeling this right now. What did Brendon discover?
Not what he was looking for, which was theme of the episode for him. Ragan, who Brendon nominated for eviction along with Lane, promptly snared the Power of Veto.
Ragan Fox (left) was the star Wednesday. Matt Hoffman should be tonight.
Did the producers choose this puzzle to give the professor an edge? Coincidence or not, he didn't just win, he flat-out dominated, securing his Saboteur check to boot.
The concept of Pandora's Box either ruins the integrity of Big Brother (we know, we know) or makes the game even more compelling, depending on your point of view.
No one can refute that it really shakes things up, though.
For the second time in as many weeks, someone opened it. We'd love to see someone pass, saying, eh, I'm just not feeling this right now. What did Brendon discover?
Not what he was looking for, which was theme of the episode for him. Ragan, who Brendon nominated for eviction along with Lane, promptly snared the Power of Veto.
Ragan Fox (left) was the star Wednesday. Matt Hoffman should be tonight.
Did the producers choose this puzzle to give the professor an edge? Coincidence or not, he didn't just win, he flat-out dominated, securing his Saboteur check to boot.
- 8/19/2010
- by steve@iscribelimited.com (L.J. Gibbs)
- TVfanatic
Buckle up, kids! We’ve got a whole week’s worth of reality to repeat including the return of Project Runway (sorry, I missed the first week), more Real World icky shenanigans (remember when the kids used to get drunk and mess around instead of this stuff?), plus the return of Brad Goreski, er, Rachel Zoe!
Project Runway
Mondo (left) and Nicholas (auf'd)
Having little fashion sense but hard crushes on saucy Amazon Heidi Klum and the sublimely delightful Tim Gunn, it is with great pleasure that I welcome back Runway! As you know from our very own snicks, there are seven delightful gays amongst the seventeen contestants. These, my friends, are good odds.
I’d like to begin by putting a twenty on Mondo to win. Okay, so Gretchen has swept the first two competitions, and our first gay casualty, Nicholas, was auf weidersehen’ed right off the catwalk.
Project Runway
Mondo (left) and Nicholas (auf'd)
Having little fashion sense but hard crushes on saucy Amazon Heidi Klum and the sublimely delightful Tim Gunn, it is with great pleasure that I welcome back Runway! As you know from our very own snicks, there are seven delightful gays amongst the seventeen contestants. These, my friends, are good odds.
I’d like to begin by putting a twenty on Mondo to win. Okay, so Gretchen has swept the first two competitions, and our first gay casualty, Nicholas, was auf weidersehen’ed right off the catwalk.
- 8/6/2010
- by snicks
- The Backlot
Pardon Me, But Have You Seen Any Gay Characters? How About You? You? Anyone?
I don't know who first dubbed the Television Critics Association Summer Tour the "Bataan Death March, but with cocktails" but it's a pretty apt description. Yep, it's that time of year as next week I fly off to Los Angeles to try and pry gay/bi secrets out of the actors, writers and so forth who bring us much of the TV we watch.
First I put on something sexy, then I get them a little drunk, then I turn the music low. You know, your usual good investigative journalism tactics.
With that in mind, this week's column is again going to be a rather stream of consciousness as I'm not only getting ready to leave, but am also getting ready for our big relaunch next week. Talk about a full plate!
Part of getting ready...
I don't know who first dubbed the Television Critics Association Summer Tour the "Bataan Death March, but with cocktails" but it's a pretty apt description. Yep, it's that time of year as next week I fly off to Los Angeles to try and pry gay/bi secrets out of the actors, writers and so forth who bring us much of the TV we watch.
First I put on something sexy, then I get them a little drunk, then I turn the music low. You know, your usual good investigative journalism tactics.
With that in mind, this week's column is again going to be a rather stream of consciousness as I'm not only getting ready to leave, but am also getting ready for our big relaunch next week. Talk about a full plate!
Part of getting ready...
- 7/23/2010
- by michael
- The Backlot
This week's Battle of the Network Gays features a badass vampire (with a limo!), a newly engaged couple from Dusseldorf, a Fox, and an Ape. Check 'em out and vote for your favorite!
True Blood's Russell Edgington
Why? We're liking this character. Okay, maybe he's a villain who'll lure you into his limo just to snack, but he's also an extremely powerful gay character, and we don't see enough of them. It's great watching Tony award winning out gay actor Denis O'Hare sink his teeth into such a juicy part.
Forbidden Love's Christian & Olli
Why? Aww! Olli popped the question this week, and it was adorable. Anthony Langford will have the clip and details in the next Gays of Our Lives column, but you can also check it out here.
Big Brother's Ragan Fox
Why? Big Brother's obligatory gay house guest this year is outrageous, loud, and a bit larger than life.
True Blood's Russell Edgington
Why? We're liking this character. Okay, maybe he's a villain who'll lure you into his limo just to snack, but he's also an extremely powerful gay character, and we don't see enough of them. It's great watching Tony award winning out gay actor Denis O'Hare sink his teeth into such a juicy part.
Forbidden Love's Christian & Olli
Why? Aww! Olli popped the question this week, and it was adorable. Anthony Langford will have the clip and details in the next Gays of Our Lives column, but you can also check it out here.
Big Brother's Ragan Fox
Why? Big Brother's obligatory gay house guest this year is outrageous, loud, and a bit larger than life.
- 7/16/2010
- by dennis
- The Backlot
Uh Oh. It's Going To Be A Stream Of Consciousness Column. Buckle Up!
Man, you take a couple of days off and you get the gayest Emmy nominations ever and about a zillion other things happen that I need to catch up and comment on. How to cover it all?
Hmm, how about I just open my mind up and do it stream of consciousness style? Things might sort of leap all over the place, but it should be interesting. Ready, here we go. Prying open subconscious and...
Nooo! It's awful in here! So cold and dark and empty! Aieeee!
Oh, wait. I actually opened Mary Cheney's soul. How did that happen?
So where did the Flying Monkey (that would be Brent, my partner) and I go last week that kept me from writing the Bgwe? A couple hours north of where we live are the San Juan Islands which...
Man, you take a couple of days off and you get the gayest Emmy nominations ever and about a zillion other things happen that I need to catch up and comment on. How to cover it all?
Hmm, how about I just open my mind up and do it stream of consciousness style? Things might sort of leap all over the place, but it should be interesting. Ready, here we go. Prying open subconscious and...
Nooo! It's awful in here! So cold and dark and empty! Aieeee!
Oh, wait. I actually opened Mary Cheney's soul. How did that happen?
So where did the Flying Monkey (that would be Brent, my partner) and I go last week that kept me from writing the Bgwe? A couple hours north of where we live are the San Juan Islands which...
- 7/16/2010
- by michael
- The Backlot
It’s time for a brand new season of that CBS show that just won’t die: Big Brother! I personally support any show that lets me peek into the living rooms, bedrooms, and showers of complete strangers without night-vision goggles, a grappling hook, and the fear of a restraining order. Those things are so annoying! Especially the restraining orders.
In case you’ve somehow missed the show (what are doing with your summer evenings, reading books? Talking with your boyfriend?), here is the drill: Thirteen contestants are locked in a house, every inch of which is under the watchful gaze of cameras for 75 days. The housemates form alliances, lie, cheat, and sex their way up to a $500,000 prize.
Think of it like politics, only with nicer people.
Every week the Big Brother contestants compete to see who will win the title of Head of Household (usually referred to as...
In case you’ve somehow missed the show (what are doing with your summer evenings, reading books? Talking with your boyfriend?), here is the drill: Thirteen contestants are locked in a house, every inch of which is under the watchful gaze of cameras for 75 days. The housemates form alliances, lie, cheat, and sex their way up to a $500,000 prize.
Think of it like politics, only with nicer people.
Every week the Big Brother contestants compete to see who will win the title of Head of Household (usually referred to as...
- 7/13/2010
- by JerriB
- The Backlot
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