Bosses at the production company behind The Apprentice have launched an investigation into racism claims facing contestant Lottie Lion.
The reality TV star, 19, has been embroiled in a furore over allegations she told fellow contestant Lubna Farhan, 33, to "shut up, Ghandi".
The statement was said to have been made in Whatsapp messages, sent in a group chat for the candidates after filming.
Lottie is also alleged to have told Lubna, whose parents are Pakistani, she would would knock her out and even "f*** her up."
Now a new reports suggests further allegations have been made about Lottie, and the furore is being investigated by heads of TV production company Boundless, part of Fremantle Media.
According to The Sun On Sunday , one contestant complained directly to the BBC and was considering legal action.
The publication reports other claims have been made suggesting Lottie made inappropriate remarks during filming.
The probe could lead to the other candidates being questioned about the claims, and it will reportedly last a week before TV before reveal their "findings".
A spokesperson for The Apprentice told Mirror Online: “We are currently looking into the circumstances regarding a complaint.”
Lottie added: "I categorically deny being a racist, homophobic or transphobic. I have no further comment.”
Viewers saw Lottie and Lubna clash on The Apprentice's first episode during the South Africa challenge and tensions are believed to have spilled over after filming the pre-recorded show.
After rowing about Lottie claiming never to have met a black person, the budding businesswoman scathed: “Seriously f*** off Lubna before I f****** knock you out at our press training.”
Contestants are get such training before the show is screened.
Lottie later said: “I appreciate the messages sent between myself and Lubna could come across as offensive but they were intended as a joke and no offence was meant by them."
Mirror Online has contacted a representative for The Apprentice for comment.
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