CBB's Ann Widdecombe condemned for 'homophobic' remark

From Digital Spy

Ann Widdecombe has once again angered Celebrity Big Brother viewers, this time for seemingly referring to gay romance as "disgusting".

The former Conservative politician has been a lightning rod for controversy throughout this winter series, at times criticising the women coming forward in the #MeToo movement and making negative comments about Meghan Markle.

Now, she's being accused of making a homophobic remark by some fans, in a reaction to a joke from Shane Jenek about his bromantic relationship with Andrew Brady.

The two guys playfully wrestled in one scene airing on Monday (January 22), leading Shane to jokingly chide Ann as she looked on: "You might not support our marriage Ann, but you have to support our love."

"Don't be disgusting!" Ann sniped back.

In the moment, Wayne Sleep - who is gay himself - incredulously repeated Ann's shocking remark, before the rest of the house tried to break down what she'd meant.

"Earlier when we were in the kitchen, I was like, 'Aww, come on Ann, you don't agree with two people of the same sex getting married but what about two people of the same sex in love?' She's like, 'That's disgusting'," Shane told the others.

"I was mortified," Andrew admitted, with Dapper leaping in: "I just think some of you don't get her."

Outside of the house, Celebs Go Dating star, and frequent Bit on the Side guest, Nadia Essex tore into Ann for once again making inflammatory comments about a marginalised group.

"Jade [Goody] says Shilpa Poppadom and is the most hated woman in the country. Ann says gay people are disgusting and is getting the highest votes to save WAKE UP UK public," she tweeted. "She is not a nice old granny she is a disgrace and shouldn't be in there getting such a nice edit."

The reality star went on to argue: "I've heard her for 20 episodes say things that make my stomach turn. I have heard, seen homophobic slurs, expressions of disgust and general poppycock about gay marriage. She has never say Ash and G are disgusting when they cuddle."

Hers is a sentiment felt by many Big Brother viewers:

There were some who felt Ann's complaint was taken out of context:

Digital Spy reached out to Celebrity Big Brother about whether any action against Ann would be taken, with a spokesperson telling us: "Big Brother constantly monitors the behaviour and conduct of housemates and intervenes where appropriate. Not all interventions are included in broadcasts."

The former politician survived an eviction on Monday night's episode, with John Barnes going instead. Coincidentally, John was criticised for his views on homosexuality over the weekend.

Celebrity Big Brother continues with another eviction on Tuesday (January 23) at 9pm on Channel 5, followed by Rylan Clark-Neal with all of the double eviction fallout on Celebrity Big Brother's Bit on the Side at 11.05pm.

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