British 'Celebrity Big Brother' housemates apologize for racist remarks

Housemates on the British reality show "Celebrity Big Brother" apologized for alleged racist comments against Bollywood star Shilpa Shetty.

ADVERTISEMENT

Jade Goody, a reality TV star, and former Miss Great Britain Danielle Lloyd both apologized to Shetty, the Press Trust of India said Friday.

Inside the house, Goody said she didn't mean for her comments to be interpreted in a racial way, adding, "I don't judge people by the color of their skin."

RELATED LINKS Other Shows Message Boards SirLinksALot: Reality TV More Television News

Shilpa said she didn't think Goody was racist. "I really appreciate that you took the first step," she said.

Lloyd also apologized, saying she was "disgusted" by her behavior.

"I didn't agree with some of the things you said to Jade, but I especially didn't agree with some of the things that Jade said to you," she said. "I'm sorry."

Complaints from viewers climbed to more than 36,000 to the Office of Communications; and the show's sponsor suspended its support because of the controversy.

The Perfume Shop withdrew Goody's perfume, Shh..., from its shelves because of the controversy. Lloyd's modeling contract was canceled as well.

Channel 4, which airs "Celebrity Big Brother," has stood by the program.