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BBC Demands Review After Apprentice Star's Hateful Posts
28 Jan
Summary
- Offensive tweets by a contestant were unearthed after filming completed.
- The BBC stated it was completely unaware of the abhorrent comments.
- The production company has been asked to review its social media checks.
Offensive social media posts made by an Apprentice contestant, Levi Hodgetts-Hague, have resurfaced since filming concluded for the show's upcoming season. These decade-old tweets contained racist, misogynistic, and anti-police sentiments, including support for far-right figures. The BBC has announced it was completely unaware of these abhorrent comments.
In response, the BBC has requested that the independent production company, Naked, conduct a full review of its social media vetting procedures, acknowledging that the process clearly failed. Experts suggest that while vetting is time-consuming and costly, cutting corners during casting could be a temptation. This incident follows previous controversies regarding contestant backgrounds on the show, including antisemitic posts and past jail sentences.
The production company Naked has stated its commitment to duty of care and compliance, asserting that robust casting processes are in place and continually reviewed. However, the unearthed comments raise questions about the thoroughness of background checks, particularly concerning the potential pressure to cast 'interesting' characters who might generate drama.
