‘Big Brother Mzansi’ fans call for Ash-ley and Bonni B to be disqualified after rape remarks

22 January 2025 - 14:16
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'Big Brother Mzansi' housemates: Ash-ley Ogle, Kay B, and Bonni B.
'Big Brother Mzansi' housemates: Ash-ley Ogle, Kay B, and Bonni B.
Image: bigbromzansi/ Instagram

Big Brother Mzansi fans have taken to social media to express their outrage and demand the immediate disqualification of two housemates, Ash-ley Ogle and Bongiwe “Bonni B” Booi.

The controversy surrounds remarks made by the two regarding fellow housemate Florence “Kay B” Maphirime's rape trauma.

During the show, Kay B opened up about her past experience as a rape victim. Ash-ley and Bonni B dismissed her revelation as attention-seeking, sparking widespread outrage among viewers.

X user Zizile Mthembu has written to the Broadcasting Complaints Commission of South Africa (BCCSA) and the channel to express concern about the incident.

“Their comments not only display a profound lack of understanding of the gravity of rape as a societal issue but also perpetuate harmful stereotypes and retraumatise survivors of sexual violence,” Mthembu said.

“As a viewer and concerned citizen, I believe this behaviour is unacceptable and warrants immediate intervention.”

Women for Change has also condemned the insensitive remarks.

“When a woman bravely shares her story of sexual assault, it is vital to offer support, not judgment or mockery. Labelling Kay B's experience as 'attention-seeking' and failing to stand with survivors are harmful microaggressions that perpetuate a culture of victim-blaming.”

The organisation said the culture discourages rape survivors from speaking out and fosters a culture of silence and shame.

“We must believe in survivors, amplify their voices, and stand with them in solidarity.”

A petition has been launched calling on the producers to disqualify Ash-ley and Bonni B. The petition, launched on Tuesday with more than 200 signatures, argues their behaviour was unacceptable.

“All forms of gender-based violence, including verbal ones, should be severely condemned and not aired for entertainment,” the petition read.

Furthermore, Ash-ley and Bonni B have also been accused of making racist comments about other housemates.

“One dreadful instance was when Ash-ley referred to other housemates in a derogatory manner, as 'these black people',” the petition states.

“Another instance was when she disrespected Mshini by making fun of her private parts and giving birth situation. Bonni B and Ash-ley also showed an egregious lack of sensitivity towards Kay B, making fun of her rape situation, further degrading her by calling her 'rape girl'. An attack on such a crucial issue is utterly unacceptable.”

The situation has sparked a heated debate on social media, with some defending the two and others calling for their removal from the show.

Here are more reactions:


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