Former Big Brother contestant George Gilbert has publicly claimed that ITV has banned him from attending the programme's live final, following his controversial removal from the house.
Controversial Comments Lead to Removal
The 23-year-old parish councillor was removed from the ITV2 reality series after making a series of controversial remarks during his time in the house. Gilbert repeatedly clashed with fellow housemates on topics including immigration, housing, and LGBT rights.
ITV issued multiple warnings to Gilbert before his eventual removal. Among his most contentious statements were claims that he would 'feel like he is betraying his kind' by having a baby with a Black woman and describing Hitler as 'misguided' in his views on Jewish people.
His removal ultimately came during a discussion about conspiracy theories, though ITV initially didn't disclose the specific comments that prompted their decision.
Gilbert Explains His Side
Gilbert later took to YouTube to explain the comments that led to his removal. He revealed that during the conspiracy theory discussion, he stated he believes antisemitism should be 'stamped out' but added that he 'does understand why people are sceptical about some Jewish conspiracy at the top of the pecking order'.
He further claimed that the 'finest minds in human history' had included antisemitic tropes in their writing. These comments left both housemates and viewers horrified.
Social Media Outburst Over Final Ban
In an angry post on X (formerly Twitter), Gilbert announced he's been banned from both the televised Late and Live finale and the untelevised reunion party.
'That's it then. Not only am I banned from the Late and Live finale, but also the untelevised reunion party of Big Brother,' he wrote. 'What did I do again? I asked a question.'
He described the ban as a 'ridiculously disproportionate response' designed to make an example of him and prevent future contestants from 'going against the grain'.
Gilbert concluded his post by claiming that on UK television, people on the political left were allowed to be 'offensive' but not those on the right, adding 'So much for inclusivity.'
In their original statement regarding his removal, ITV stated: 'Following repeated use of unacceptable language and behaviour, George has been removed from the Big Brother house with immediate effect and will no longer participate in the programme.'
The live final airs on Friday, November 14, hosted by AJ Odudu and Will Best. The remaining contestants - Richard, Jenny, Cameron, Teja, Emily, Marcus, Elsa and Tate - will compete to be crowned winner after almost seven weeks in the house.
Big Brother continues on ITV2 at 9pm this week. Metro has approached ITV for comment regarding Gilbert's claims about being banned from the final events.
