Big Brother row over housemate's 'coercive and controlling' behaviour becomes one of the most complained-about TV moments ever
Rhianna Collins, whose split attempt prompted Omar El Mayer to tell her "you've really f***ed me off by saying what you said," sparking a record 7,138 Ofcom complaints.
Monday's episode generated 7,138 Ofcom complaints in a single day — the third highest total in Big Brother history, surpassed only by Jade Goody's racism controversy and Roxanne Pallett's punch-gate incident. Viewers were angered after Omar El Mayer told Rhianna Collins 'don't look away from me' when she proposed they be friends. El Mayer has denied any wrongdoing. Ofcom says it is assessing the complaints but has yet to decide whether to investigate.
The highest complaint count earlier this season was 1,191, recorded for the 30 September episode.
Women's Aid warned that the show 'risks presenting abuse as a form of entertainment'.
Despite growing pressure for his removal, El Mayer was kept safe from Friday's eviction.
