Bigg Boss Star Faces Racism Row Over 'Idli Masi' Remark

A controversy has erupted on Bigg Boss Kannada 13 involving contestant Likhith and his remark towards wild card entry Prashanth. Likhith's use of the phrase 'Idli Masi' reportedly caused offense to Prashanth, who interpreted it as a racial slur targeting his skin tone. During the recent weekend episode, host Kichcha Sudeep directly addressed Likhith about the incident and his failure to offer an immediate explanation when Prashanth was upset.

Sudeep expressed disappointment with Likhith's behavior, noting his tendency towards sarcastic smiles and evasiveness during confrontations. He questioned Likhith's utilization of his opportunity on the show, especially considering the struggles of other contestants. When Likhith cited a blank mind during arguments, Sudeep challenged his communication skills, contrasting his confidence in other tasks with his silence when questioned about his actions.

Likhith's explanation for the remark was that 'Idli Masi' was a regional slang term from North Karnataka, referring to burning coal and soot, and was not intended to comment on Prashanth's complexion. However, Prashanth had already taken offense. Sudeep expressed dissatisfaction with the delayed clarification, emphasizing the wide viewership of Bigg Boss across Karnataka and the contestants' accountability for their words. He stressed that birth does not determine superiority and urged against insensitive remarks about unearned attributes.

Ultimately, Likhith conceded, "Yes, I made a mistake," acknowledging his fault. Sudeep concluded by underscoring that while interpretations of words can vary, actions define one's character. Likhith's controversial statement has become a significant topic of discussion in the current season of Bigg Boss Kannada.