Big Brother has faced mounting criticism following an episode featuring a tense exchange between housemates Omar El Mayer and Rhianna Collins. The scenes prompted more than 7,000 complaints to Ofcom, with viewers questioning Omar’s behaviour towards Rhianna. The show has since addressed the situation, while audiences remain divided over the pair’s relationship.

The tension between the pair had been building for several days, with an earlier disagreement reportedly stemming from Omar taking issue with the way Rhianna asked fellow housemate Lynx to cook for her. Omar told her she had annoyed him, describing the way she had spoken to Lynx as “a bit weird”, which led to further friction between them.

Their relationship came under greater scrutiny during the October 19 episode, when Rhianna attempted to address their issues and suggested they should just be friends. Omar dismissed her concerns, telling her that her “feelings aren't facts”, before later referring to her using an insulting term while speaking to fellow housemate Yasmin. During another tense exchange, he told Rhianna not to cry and instructed her to look at him rather than look away, leaving her visibly upset.

The controversy centres on the pair’s increasingly strained relationship inside the ITV reality show, with their interactions leaving some viewers uncomfortable.

During Monday’s episode, which aired on October 19, Rhianna suggested things had become “weird” between them, prompting Omar to respond that her “feelings aren't facts”.

In another tense moment, Omar told Rhianna not to talk about him to other housemates. He also told her not to look away from him during their conversation, with the exchange prompting criticism from viewers who felt his behaviour towards her was inappropriate.

Rhianna was later seen becoming upset and was called into the Diary Room, where Big Brother checked on her wellbeing. She explained that she sometimes disliked the way Omar spoke to her, leaving viewers questioning how the situation was being handled by those overseeing the programme.

Ofcom subsequently confirmed it had received 7,138 complaints about the October 19 episode, making it the most complained-about television broadcast during the reporting period.

Following the scenes, Big Brother intervened to check on Rhianna’s wellbeing, calling her into the Diary Room. She explained that she was struggling with the way Omar spoke to her, while viewers took to social media to criticise his behaviour and call for producers to take action. The incident subsequently attracted thousands of Ofcom complaints, with Women’s Aid also raising concerns about how the situation was presented on television.

An Ofcom spokesperson said:

“We are assessing the complaints against our rules, but are yet to decide whether or not to investigate.”

The backlash has also prompted concerns from domestic abuse charity Women’s Aid. Veronica Oakeshott, the organisation’s Head of External Affairs, said:

“It’s worrying to see behaviours like this being given a platform in popular media like Big Brother.”

She added: “Not only does Big Brother risk minimising survivors’ experiences, it also risks presenting abuse as a form of entertainment.”

Big Brother has reiterated its approach to housemate welfare, explaining that contestants receive guidance before entering the house and are monitored throughout their time on the show.

A spokesperson for the programme said:

“All Housemates receive Respect and Inclusion training and an extensive briefing from the Big Brother Senior team to prepare them for living in the House and to set out Big Brother’s expectations for appropriate behaviour and language.”

They added:

“Housemates are monitored 24 hours a day and any instances of inappropriate behaviour are responded to appropriately.”

Despite the backlash, viewers have continued to disagree over the situation, with some calling for Omar to face further consequences while others believe the criticism directed at him has gone too far. One viewer wrote:

“I can’t believe he still tried to justify himself even after her got a warning! Madness!”

Another commented:

“The disrespect! If someone doesn’t respect your space, leave or boundaries, walk away. It’s called self respect.”

However, others have defended Rhianna’s actions and questioned how the situation has been portrayed, with one person saying:

“Rhianna isn’t a victim, she knows what she is doing and she’s playing the role really well.”

Another viewer also questioned the backlash against Omar, writing: “I still don’t see what Omar has done that is so bad..”

With the situation continuing to divide audiences, the controversy has sparked wider discussions about how reality television portrays relationships and the responsibility producers have when concerns are raised about contestants’ behaviour.