Big Brother issues the first strike amid public backlash

by Zintle Mdaka

It’s barely two weeks in the show and already drama and controversy that led to the public outcry has ensued.

Recently, complaints came flooding from viewers including Woman for Change, following what was seen as an insensitive conversation between Ash-ley Oogle and Bongiwe Booi known as Bonnie Bee in the house, about their fellow housemate Florence ‘Kay B’ Mphirime’s rape incident.

This is after Kay B shared that she was raped twice, while they were doing a task presentation for Big Brother. The duo was later accused of victim-shaming her after they said that she was looking for attention.

This conversation had viewers up in arms on the social media platforms, with Woman for Change calling for an immediate disqualification. The organisation that speaks for gender-based violence victims took to X (formerly Twitter) to share their view on the matter.

“The recent conversation between Ash-ley and Bonnie Bee 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 judgement or mockery,” the organisation said.

Recently the organisation said:

Big Brother then issued the first strikes for the season for both Ash-ley and Bonnie accompanied by punishments.

X users weighed in:

Also see: So it begins: Viewers want Ash-ley out of Big Brother’s house following the Mshini drama | Bona Magazine