Big Brother Contestant Sparks Record Ofcom Complaints for Controlling Behavior

Big Brother contestant Omar El Mayer has become the most complained-about civilian participant in the show's history, with Ofcom receiving 22,499 complaints. The complaints stem from his "controlling and coercive behaviour" towards fellow housemate Rhianna Collins.

Omar's actions, as described in the show, have included scolding Rhianna, 22, for discussing their issues with others and using phrases such as "don't talk about me," "don't cry," "don't look away from me," "sort yourself out," and "fix up."

This tally makes it the highest number of complaints for a civilian contestant across all 21 series of Big Brother. It also ranks as the third-highest number of complaints for a single incident in the show's overall history, following Jade Goody's racism row (45,000 complaints) and Roxanne Pallett's "punch-gate" incident (27,000 complaints).

Last week, Omar was previously reprimanded by Big Brother producers after one episode featuring a dispute between him and Rhianna generated over 7,000 Ofcom complaints. During a conversation in the Diary Room, Big Brother informed Omar that his language and behaviour appeared to dismiss his fellow housemates' feelings and experiences, and did not acknowledge the potential impact on others or the viewing public. Omar responded by stating he had never dismissed a housemate's feelings and had only looked out for Rhianna.

Following the episode, viewers expressed that the content was uncomfortable and appeared to show Omar attempting to exert coercive control. Calls were made for ITV to intervene, and the charity Women's Aid released a statement describing his behaviour as "worrying."

Despite the complaints and a warning from a friend during a family visit that his behaviour could be "perceived" negatively outside the house, Omar and Rhianna agreed to pause their relationship. However, subsequent episodes showed them rekindling their romance after admitting to struggling with the distance.