Jade's Agent: Jade is being "bullied" by the media
Date: 23/01/2007

Jade Goody’s career salvage operation continues. Her agent has issued an angry statement claiming she is now a victim of bullying herself at the hands of the media.

The Celebrity Big Brother star is being treated by doctors for “shock and depression” as the Celebrity Big Brother race row rumbles on.

The statement from agent John Noel reads: “She has publicly apologised to Shilpa and to the country on national television. Jade has had the courage to say sorry, to face her critics and to try to make amends.”

“That’s a lot more than most would do, but certain factions in the media will not be happy without blood.”

Watch Tower: The Shilpa opera
It is obvious that the participants are very aware that whatever they say or do is likely to be shown on TV screens- Tushar Charan
Among the many common human frailties are use of abusive language in a fit of rage and if an exchange involves two persons of different nationalities or religions it can also become racist and bigoted. Deplorable as this trait may be, not many ordinary mortals can honestly claim to have eschewed them. Exchange of racist or similar other curses among Indians of different background may shock some but does not come as a surprise.

In fact, abuse of race, religion and caste is as common in India as it is in British 'schools and pubs', to quote a British interlocutor. To call certain Dalits by the trade supposedly germane to their caste is a penal offence in India and yet one can hear the prohibited words in quarrelsome exchanges. In England, even the Queen's consort, not to mention lesser subjects, has been known to take a racial dig at Indians. One does not remember India seeking 'action' by Her Majesty's government to pull up Prince Phillip, who did not offer any 'apology' either.

Racism row hits second C4 show
CHANNEL 4 was plunged into a new race row as its board met to discuss the controversy surrounding Celebrity Big Brother.

The broadcaster has faced fierce criticism for its initial failure to stop the racist bullying taking place in the Celebrity Big Brother house.

Today, another Channel 4 programme is in the firing line - the reality show Shipwrecked.

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Media watchdog Ofcom said it had received 69 complaints about racism on the show after it launched last night.

One of the contestants is alleged to have made offensive comments about black people, as well as gay and fat people.

Comments made by Lucy Buchanan, 18, a former public schoolgirl, have sparked fury on the show's message board.

The gap year student also admits on the Shipwrecked website: "I can't stand fat and ugly people, they really bring you down."

The show sees two groups of young people placed on desert islands on the South Pacific living as castaways.

They compete to stay in the tropical paradise and win a £70,000 prize.

Today a Channel 4 spokeswoman defended the decision to broadcast the comments, saying: "When Lucy airs her opinions they are immediately criticised, so viewers are instantly aware that her peers find them offensive and unacceptable.

"Those who continue to watch Shipwrecked will see, as the series progresses, Lucy's views change as she interacts and is challenged by other contestants."

Ofcom

Asked for his views on the show, Prime Minister Tony Blair's official spokesman said: "We haven't seen it and don't think it is our role to offer a running commentary on programmes on Channel 4 or elsewhere - that is a matter for Ofcom to reach judgments on.

"Clearly, everyone - broadcasters, newspapers and so on - do need to be aware of the sensitivities involved in these kinds of issues, but it is for the proper regulatory authorities to reach judgment on such cases, not for government."

Shilpa gets more support from Bollywood
[ 23 Jan, 2007 1541hrs ISTIANS ]


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MUMBAI: Even as the tormentor of Shilpa Shetty has been voted out of British reality TV show "Celebrity Big Brother", Bollywood is still rallying in her support.

Anupam Kher (a judge on "Zee Cine Stars"): To be called such names is just not unparliamentary. It's appalling. I don't know how it (was) allowed. Having said that I must say reality television is all about grief and that's the brief.

No, I never force tears out of the contestants on Zee Cine Stars. But the tears don't hurt the TRPs. Shilpa went with her eyes open. And look what her presence has done to the show! "Big Brother" is being watched by everyone! I love the dignity with which she handled herself. But governments getting into the game show? Now that according to me is a bit too much!

Arshad Warsi (host of "Bigg Boss"): First of all, let me say Shilpa is beautiful, articulate and very camera friendly. Hence she was a sitting target for all the other inmates at "Big Brother".