Kamu Kirk, a contestant on "Big Brother 28," is facing criticism for a video that resurfaced in December, in which he appears to joke about the death of George Floyd. In the video, posted to his Instagram Stories and reportedly still visible in his profile highlights, Kirk films an individual being arrested by police outside his residence.
The person in distress can be heard shouting, "I can’t breathe." Kirk, 32, laughs and imitates the person, saying, "I can’t breathe, I can’t breathe, I can’t breathe." He then adds, "Bro thinks he’s George Floyd."
The video also captures the detained individual yelling, "I’m dying." Kirk responds, "People are crazy, man. I’m going back inside." He then remarks with a smile, "I am gonna take that spot though," seemingly referring to a parking space.
George Floyd, 46, died in May 2020 when then-Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin knelt on his neck for over nine minutes. Floyd repeatedly stated he could not breathe during the incident.
"Big Brother" fans have condemned Kirk's actions on social media. One post on X, formerly Twitter, stated, "Racist as hell but also just a disgusting lack of empathy for another human being in distress. Kamu Kirk is garbage."
Another social media user criticized Kirk's decision to film the incident, post it online, and keep it in his profile highlights, suggesting it showed he was "proud of that moment and wants to showcase it."
Some viewers have questioned CBS's decision to cast Kirk on the show. "Did @CBSBigBrother not vet his social media? This is unacceptable," one critic wrote on X.
In addition to the Floyd video, fans have reportedly uncovered other controversial social media activity from Kirk, including "liking" posts that identify as Christian Nationalist and posts critical of the Muslim religion.
Kirk has also been accused of homophobia this season on "Big Brother." He reportedly referred to contestant Jason De Puy, a drag queen who competed on "RuPaul's Drag Race," as a "zesty bestie." Viewers interpreted "zesty" as a derogatory term for flamboyant or effeminate men.
Frankie Grande, an openly gay "Big Brother" alum who has spoken out against Kirk's behavior, called for his eviction from the show on X, posting the video and asking, "How is this monster still in the house. What the f—k?!")