Big bother for WA housemate
A WA Big Brother housemate has been kicked off the show with a fellow contestant after what producers describe as a "serious matter".
TWO male housemates were thrown off Channel 10's reality program Big Brother late yesterday after an alleged incident involving a female contestant.
The future of the controversial show is now in serious jeopardy.
Ash, whose real name is Michael Cox, 20, of Perth, and John, real name Michael Bric, 21, of Melbourne, were escorted off the compound at Dreamworld on the Gold Coast late yesterday afternoon after 70 days in the house.
The alleged incident occurred at 4.30am yesterday when John and Ash got into bed with a female contestant Camilla Halliwell, 22, of Victoria.
John reportedly lay down beside her and held her from behind while a half-dressed Ash knelt over her and put his crotch into her face.
Big Brother's producers Southern Star Endemol put out a statement last night confirming the men had been removed from the program.
It described the matter as ``serious''' and did not disclose the official reason for removing the housemates.
``The producers Endemol Southern Star and Network Ten deemed their actions were grounds for their removal from the show,'' the statement said.
Footage of the alleged incident obtained by The Sunday Times from the program's live internet stream clearly showed what occurred in the bed.
In a joint statement made after they were thrown out, Ash and John said: ``We had a great time in the house. It is unfortunate it had to end this way.
``But Big Brother has rules and regulations and we broke them.
``We are all very close in the house and we would never do anything to offend our fellow housemates.''
Big Brother has come under sustained criticism in Federal Parliament and last week canned it's Monday night Adults Only show just one day after being told by Coalition MPs the show was damaging the network's push for key media reforms.
Last year it was pilloried for a series of lewd acts which were shown on air, particularly one incident when Michael rubbed his penis on Gianna's shoulder while giving her a massage.
In another incident, a contestant dropped his pants in front of a female housemate, grabbed her breast and called her a ``whorebag''.
Also broadcast several times late at night was footage of two female housemates masturbating in the sauna while using towels to shield their acts from the cameras.
This year's version of the reality program had been a much tamer affair than last year.
The housemates have been provided with less alcohol and opportunities to party, but late last week Ten broadcast a special Thursday night episode after throwing a dance party for the contestants to celebrate Jamie Brooksby's 23rd birthday.
Housemates danced and drank through the night.
Despite yesterday's dramatic events, it is believed remaining housemates were still thrown a party last night at which a band performed.
Federal MP Trish Draper, who has been at the forefront of the government's campaign to tone down Big Brother's content, said last night the program should be taken off air immediately.
``I think the Minister (Helen Coonan) should intervene,'' Ms Draper said.
``The incident should be placed in the hands of the police.''
Federal Communications Minister Helen Coonan said the Government would not take any immediate action against Network Ten.
``As for Big Brother, it will still be subject to the existing content restrictions,'' her spokeswoman told The Sunday Times.
Gold Coast police said last night no charges had been laid.
``There has been nothing that we are aware of,'' a police spokesman said last night.
John is a media and communication student and working class Ash is a bricklayer who is fond of V8 cars.
