Australian Big Brother under fire

[Luna]

The Australian version of the TV programme Big Brother has come under criticism for deciding not to tell a contestant that her father had died.
Emma Cornell has been cut off from the outside world since entering the reality TV show's house a month ago.

She still does not know that her father Raymond died of cancer last week.

But a spokesman for Channel Ten, which broadcasts the programme, has defended its decision, said it was acting according to her family's wishes.

"Her dad didn't want her to be upset or to feel like she had to leave the house to come to his funeral," Ms Cornell's boyfriend, Tim Stanton, told local media.

"She might be upset when she comes out and finds out what has happened, but I think she'll understand," he said.

Weigh up risks

But Chris Hall, a spokesman for the Australian Centre for Grief and Bereavement, said he did not think that this was in Ms Cornell's best interests.

"I still think that one needs to weigh up the risks in terms of following a course of action that may be well-intentioned but may ultimately not serve the bereaved person well," he said.

This is not the first time that Australian Big Brother has attracted criticism.

Last year two male participants were withdrawn from the house after appearing to sexually molest a female contestant, and the late night edition aimed at adults has attracted complaints of being too sexually explicit.

In a separate development, a UK version of the programme involving celebrities was severely reprimanded on Thursday for its handling of a racist row involving an Indian contestant in the series broadcast in January this year.

The broadcaster, Channel 4, is being forced to make three on-air apologies.

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Do you think they are doing the right thing respecting the familys wishes and not telling her?

[Luna]

Big Brother is aware of and understands many of the concerns the public has expressed upon learning the sad news of Housemate Emma’s father’s death. Emma’s family is appreciative of the care and support her fans have extended. However, this week’s media speculation is mostly uninformed, inaccurate and the cause of much distress to Emma’s family. Emma’s brother Matt has written asking that we help clarify the situation. His letter appears here...

Emma was aware of the possibility that our dads impending death may occur whilst she was in the Big Brother production. Our dad had been ill for a considerable amount of time and wasn’t taken from us suddenly; the family did have time to prepare themselves. We reassured Emma that, in the event that this did happen, grieving our dad’s death when she was released from Big Brother would be no less meaningful or significant than when he actually passed away.

I personally spent the last week of dad's life by his side and one thing he was absolutely certain about was the fact that he didn't want his death to impose either negatively or positively on Emma's Big Brother experience.

He made us promise him that no-one would notify Emma of his death. He was adamant and clear in expressing this request. He also requested that his death remain private from the Big Brother ‘hype’ but unfortunately due to the indecency of the person who leaked the information to the media we have been unable to honor this wish.

Emma and I have maintained a close friendship for many years. We have previously and recently in 'lock down', discussed the possibility of dad’s death thoroughly. I can confirm with absolute confidence that Emma has prepared herself and her views have been considered in the family’s decision-making process.

People may cast their own views and opinions but these people are not privy to Emma and dad’s relationship. We as a family wouldn’t want to interfere with anyone else’s family affairs especially in their time of sadness so we’re stunned by the reaction of so many that have based their opinions on a total lack of knowledge of our family’s internal workings. As Emma’s family we know her very well and are confident we have made the right decision.

Our dad was extremely proud of Emma’s achievements so far on Big Brother. He would watch her each night proudly from his hospital bed heckling rivals and laughing at Emma’s wicked attitude and antics. Without you guys and this Big Brother experience he wouldn’t otherwise have had this opportunity and insight into his daughter’s life, thank you.

Rest assured that the family has made arrangements to postpone dad’s final service until Emma departs the house to ensure Emma is still given the opportunity to participate. As you are aware the funeral has already taken place however the family will reconvene with Emma to lay dads ashes to rest.

On behalf of Emma’s family including Tim [her partner], we sincerely thank the Big Brother production team for supporting and respecting our family’s decision. Our family is not familiar with all this media attention and we are extremely grateful and appreciative of Big Brother's discretion and tact in dealing with this issue.

Regards
Matt (Emma’s brother)

[Siobhan]

I think they should tell her.. Can you imagine if she won and then they say "oh by the way, you dad dies a few weeks ago, we never told you".. Her family will have to watch her for the remaining time having fun etc and they are all in morning for their father.
If it was me, I would want to be told

[DaVeyWaVey]

I think she should be told as well - she has a right to know after all. She could be told about her dad's wishes so then she can decide if she wants to stay in the house or leave to mourn for her father.

I don't think she'll take it that well if she leaves the house, and is told that her dad died weeks earlier - i'm sure she'll be devastated that she didn't hear the news straight away.

[Chloe O'brien]

They should take her aside and tell her that her dad has passed away. It would give her the chance to decide if she wanted to continue in the BB house or come out and attend his funeral. Although she probably discussed the possibility of her dad dying while she was in the house and it may have been discussed that they would not tell her, but things change when death does happen and so do peoples feelings. she may never forgive herself or her family if this secret was kept from her.

[Pinkbanana]

Is it just me, but I cant believe she went in there knowing her father was dying and there was a real probability she wouldnt see him again? Im shocked...cant believe she's chosen her 15 mins of fame over being there/spending what precious little time was left with her father and family. I hope its a decision she will not live to regret.

I think she should be told as she has the right to know and should have the opportunity to decide whether she wants to attend the funeral/see her family.

[Jojo]

Is it just me, but I cant believe she went in there knowing her father was dying and there was a real probability she wouldnt see him again? Im shocked...cant believe she's chosen her 15 mins of fame over being there/spending what precious little time was left with her father and family. I hope its a decision she will not live to regret.

I think she should be told as she has the right to know and should have the opportunity to decide whether she wants to attend the funeral/see her family.

I agree PB - ok so he was dying and his death wasn't unexpected, but for me, family ALWAYS comes first. Not fame, however it is gained.

[pookie1968uk]

yes of course they should tell her. this is another example of tv going too far. whats a tv programme compared to her fathers death,it may affect her forever.