By Swati R Chaudhary, Bollywood Trade News Network

Big Brother is definitely catching eyeballs as the alleged ‘racism’ brouhaha hots up. The latest update being Carphone Warhouse, the main sponsor pulling out of the show. Apparently it has suspended its sponsorship following accusations of racism and bullying, something that is completely against their brand values.

As per reports, Shilpa Shetty’s biggest tormentor-Jade called her a liar (they’ve already been calling her names like ‘f*****g Paki’, ‘dog’ ‘that Indian’ and ‘phony’) and said she should spend a day in slums. Apparently Shilpa felt she was being singled out because she was an Indian and she could certainly sense the undertones of racism.  

Shilpa Shetty confessed on the show that she was unhappy two days back. She said she had no issues with Jade as a person; it’s just that she doesn’t like the way Jade talks and feels she should brush up on her manners. She also retracted her statement, (she had earlier implied that the differences between Jade and her could be racially motivated) denying any sort of racial discrimination from Jade’s end.

Incidentally the two have been put up for nomination.

But here’s an interesting twist amid all the manipulation and nastiness. Soon after Danielle made up with Shilpa Shetty, Jade also extended an olive branch towards her. As per reports, Jade told Shilpa that she didn’t judge people by the colour of their skin. She apologized and hugged Shilpa. Shilpa reassured her saying she didn’t feel she (Jade) was racist.

This only goes to prove how sophisticated, civilized and cultured Shilpa Shetty is. Shilpa is not the one to get cowed down by anything. Says her spokesperson Dale Bhagwagar, “Shilpa is a happy-go-lucky kind of a person who believes in forgiving and moving on in life. She’s the kind who believes in confronting and sorting things out rather than making a big issue out of it.”

“The comments are racist in nature. I guess they are making her cry every other day. But Shilpa is fighting back with dignity. Her silence should not be misconstrued as her weakness. She is no weakling and they better not take her for granted,” added Dale.

Shilpa’s parents are overwhelmed by the public support. An official statement from her family reads, “In light of recent events in the show, we are touched by the outpour of public support for Shilpa, not just in India, but from across the globe. Shilpa is a strong individual who continues to make us proud every day. We do not condone bullying or victimization of anyone. We have complete faith in ‘Channel 4’ that they will not allow any mistreatment of Shilpa to take place.”

Dale continues, “Shilpa’s parents are distressed and harrowed at the moment. But they are confident that ‘Channel 4’ will do the needful. They know that their daughter will bounce back.”

When asked if media was going overboard with the issue Dale asserted, “I think the media is just doing its job. Infact its doing a good job as a watchdog, just like Ofcom. It is definitely not a publicity stunt. It has got nothing to do with fame and money. It’s just another step in Shilpa's career. It’s all about competitive spirit and I truly salute Shilpa for always keeping her head high and doing India proud.”

Meanwhile the Big Brother participants are clueless of all the ruckus happening outside. They are at an undisclosed location, completely disconnected form the outside world with no cell phones, no internet connection… not even a watch!

Shilpa is oblivious to the furore that Big Brother has created, but the lady has become a ‘real’ life star in all our eyes!