Faryal Makhdoom has claimed that she has been removed from the upcoming season of Celebrity Big Brother, a mere 10 days before its launch.
The popular Big Brother spin-off is making a comeback next month for its first series in six years.
Makhdoom, the wife of former boxing champion Amir Khan, was reported to be one of the contestants set to enter the show's north London compound.
But now the 32-year-old has claimed she was dropped from the upcoming series because of her support for Palestine amid the ongoing Gaza-Israel war.
Makhdoom alleged she had been approached multiple times to appear on the show, but agreed to feature this time after being enticed by a "very attractive offer" and "much persuasion."
She said in a video shared to her Instagram on Thursday: “I also wanted to do this show to make it more inclusive for the Muslim community.
“But it seems my social media activity and being pro-Palestine is not appropriate for ITV and its sponsors.
“Mind you, ITV and this particular show, has had many controversial people on it before. But, for some reason, I was singled out.”
Makhdoom added that she was “told to step down 10 days before going in”.
She continued; “I have never, in my life, been treated like this. It’s a violation of free speech.”
“This is why cowards with a huge following, especially Muslims, refuse to speak on this issue, because they deprive you of opportunities and so you have no choice but to support them and stand by them.”
“It's a violation of free speech. This is why cowards with a huge following (especially Muslims) refuse to speak on this issue because they deprive you of opportunities and so you have no choice but to support them and stand them.
“Bear in mind I was offered substantial money not to speak on this issue but I rejected it. For me, no amount of money will ever stop me from speaking on the injustice happening in Palestine.”
In response to Makhdoom’s accusations, a spokesperson for Celebrity Big Brother told the Standard: 'We meet numerous prospective housemates when casting for Celebrity Big Brother, however the final line up is not confirmed until closer to transmission.
“As per our welfare protocols, we are unable to comment on the casting process for individual prospective Housemates, other than to say that suitability to participate is determined by a number of factors.”
