Reality TV Star Misinterprets Slang, Thinks Co-Host Fat-Shamed Him

Chris Hughes, a 33-year-old reality television personality, believed he was fat-shamed by co-host Kate Lawler during a live broadcast of Big Brother: The Group Chat. The confusion arose when Lawler, 46, used the idiom "chew the fat," meaning to engage in casual conversation. Hughes, unfamiliar with the phrase, expressed concern about his weight, stating, "Chew the what? Fat what? I’ve been in the gym. I’ve been training, don’t worry about me."

GK Barry, 27, who co-hosts the show with Lawler, began laughing at Hughes's reaction. Lawler quickly clarified her statement, assuring Hughes that she had not intended to insult his physique. "I did not just fat shame you young man, you’re a fit and healthy man," she explained. "Have you never heard the phrase, 'chew the fat?'"

Hughes admitted he had not encountered the idiom before but stated he would incorporate it into his vocabulary. The phrase is commonly used to describe having an extended, informal discussion.

Hughes previously appeared on Celebrity Big Brother, where he developed a relationship with fellow housemate JoJo Siwa. Lawler made history in 2002 as the first female winner of the civilian version of Big Brother. The current season of the show premiered on ITV2 on Sunday night, introducing 16 contestants competing for a £100,000 prize. The launch episode also revealed the presence of a mole among the contestants, who is tasked with nominating three individuals for eviction.