Big Brother UK contestant Trish Balusa has apologised and said there’s “no excuses” for historical tweets in which she wrote derogatory comments about the LGBT community and Asian people.
Balusa, 33, had become a fan favourite in ITV’s Big Brother reboot but was evicted in a double elimination on Friday night despite a fan-led campaign calling for viewers to vote strategically so she could win.
The posts on X, formerly known as Twitter, only came to light once Balusa had left the Big Brother house.
It looks as though the account they were shared on has since been deleted. Sky News has chosen not to include Balusa’s posts.
Posting to a new account in her name on Sunday, Balusa admitted her historical tweets were “very concerning” and said: “I would like to sincerely apologise for the harmful stereotypes I perpetuated and the pain I have caused to the marginalised communities and groups of people mentioned.
“There are no excuses for the ignorance that I showed and I am deeply disappointed, embarrassed and ashamed that I once made such comments.
“I have come a very long way since by educating myself and being educated by others on the impact and harm these views cause.”
Balusa also thanked fans for showing support while she was on the programme, acknowledging viewers’ current “disappointment”.
“I am truly sorry,” she wrote. “I hope it is possible for you to offer me grace and believe that people can change.”
Questions are now being asked about ITV’s welfare protocols which state that Big Brother contestants’ social media accounts would be reviewed before they entered the house.
A Big Brother spokesperson told Sky News: “This weekend, we have been made aware of concerning historical tweets.
“We are currently looking into why they were not identified by the independent supplier we engage to review the digital footprint of potential Housemates as part of our pre-checks.”
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Sky News understands that Balusa will no longer be appearing on the spin-off show Late & Live on Sunday night.
Behind-the-scenes, she is being offered support in line with Big Brother’s welfare protocols.