The Big Brother Australia livestream is only days old and it looks like the network is already fighting fires behind the scenes, as racially-charged conversations continue to sneak through the delay system that’s supposed to protect the broadcast.
PEDESTRIAN.TV has learned that Network Ten executives are “deeply stressed” about the situation, with one production insider saying the stream has become “a minute-to-minute panic” as moderators struggle to keep up with contestants’ off-the-cuff remarks.
“They’re terrified the whole network could get gazumped by this,” the insider said.
According to industry sources, several conversations on the livestream this week have included racial stereotypes, comments about ethnicity, and remarks referencing Jewish, Asian and Middle Eastern communities — the kind of casual racism that has forced global versions of Big Brother to axe their livestreams entirely.
At around 9.16pm on Wednesday, housemates Michael and Jane were heard making comments linking race to cars, wealth and suburbs, including stereotypes about Jewish people and “Asian money in Sydney”.
Michael also began describing himself using a Middle Eastern slur, abruptly cutting himself off mid-sentence as the stream attempted to dump the audio.
A source watching the moderation feed in real time told P.TV: “Every time they dump the footage, another line slips through. They’re genuinely panicking. If one more thing airs unedited, it’s going to blow up.”
Other countries have cancelled the livestream over the exact same issue. Big Brother US, UK and Canada have all grappled with racist behaviour on their streams, with some permanently shelving 24/7 feeds because of legal and reputational risk.
Now, insiders say Australia may be facing the same decision.
“This is exactly why the livestream disappeared for years,” another source explained. “You cannot control ‘casual racism’ on a reality show. You just can’t. And the audience is recording everything. The editing delay is not protecting anyone.”
Fans on social media have also pointed out moments where the stream attempts to cut out mid-conversation, only for the audio to return, mid-sentence, as a problematic remark continues.
Producers are reportedly concerned the situation could damage Network Ten’s reputation, particularly in a launch year where the show is already under massive scrutiny.
While Big Brother thrives on controversy, there’s a clear line between messy housemate drama and comments that put the broadcaster at legal and ethical risk. And at the moment the livestream is crossing that line daily.
But Network Ten sources have claimed that the housemates have a three strikes and you’re out policy on inappropriate conversation and that there are consequences being laid out for those involved.
Network Ten issued the following statement to P.TV: “Viewers are loving 10’s Big Brother 24/7 livestream. The content strikes the balance between being entertaining and juicy, while still protecting audiences and housemates. We have been thrilled to see Aussies obsessed with the show, the housemates, and the access.”
The post Network 10 ‘Panicking’ As Big Brother Stars Make Racist Remarks On Livestream appeared first on PEDESTRIAN.TV .
