Adam and CBS are in trouble

[dingo]

http://www.wnbc.com/news/15333380/detail.html?dl=headlineclick&taf=ny

A national autism group is demanding an apology from CBS over a disparaging remark a contestant on the reality show "Big Brother" made about people with the disorder.

John Gilmore, executive director of Autism United, said Monday that his group has been trying to speak with CBS executives since the show aired last week.

On the show, a contestant named Adam, who claims to work for an autism foundation, said he would spend his winnings on a hair salon for people with developmental disabilities "so retards can get it together and get their hair done."

The Web site for the show describes him as a 29-year-old public relations manager from Delray Beach, Fla.

His remark shocked his partner, Sheila, who replied, "Don't call them that."

Adam responded by saying, "Disabled kids. I can call them whatever I want. I work with them all day, OK?"

A call to CBS was not immediately returned.

"Big Brother" has been the target of other protests, condemned for remarks made by contestants about such hot-button issues as incest, race, ethnicity and sexual orientation. In the past, contestants have been removed following incidents that were deemed violent or racist.

(who got removed for being racist?)

[chewy9028]

Justin BB2 was removed for threatening physical attack
Scott in BB4 was removed for a violent outburst

Non-USA BB's

Ashley and John were removed in 2006 in Australia for sexually assaulting one of the female house guests.
Emily was also removed in 06 in the UK edition for using the "N" word (I think this is the racist removal they are speaking of)

[dingo]

Emily was also removed in 06 in the UK edition for using the "N" word (I think this is the racist removal they are speaking of)

o yea! the author was probably referring to USA BB (or should have been since it doesn't compare to other countries) but I forgot about about her - thanks!

[dingo]

National autism groups, the Family Network and others have demanded an apology from CBS and/or encouraged boycotts of Big Brother 9 in the absence of one.. CBS has bowed to pressure on this one and finally issued a statement:

"We certainly find the statements made by Adam to be offensive, but believe they were countered by the immediate reaction of shock and condemnation from a fellow houseguest, Sheila. Adam’s remarks would not have been permitted to air unchallenged."

...not really an apology, is it?

what's silly is that this comment happened before the feeds started, and CBS selected it to air on the show.. if they hadn't, nobody would have ever known about this one.. obviously they knew something like this would happen as a result of that choice

controversy and boycotts by Family Network viewers won't put BB9 ahead of American Idol tho

[JC]

I'm glad he got called out on it. That was a horribly stupid thing to say, esspecially for a public relations person. But I don't think a boycott of the show is called for. CBS didn't make the comment, Adam did. I wouldn't be surprised if he was fired after the show.

[dingo]

But I don't think a boycott of the show is called for

a combo of American Idol, over-salacious casting and crappy twists are taking care of that lol

CBS didn't make the comment, Adam did.

true, they made a point of airing it tho.. it was was before the feeds came on and nobody need ever have heard it

[dingo]

Emily was also removed in 06 in the UK edition for using the "N" word (I think this is the racist removal they are speaking of)

James said it last night :( and it went out on Showtime

I dunno if anything has come of it yet or not, or if it will

[dingo]

Lowe's has pulled their ads for BB as a result of this.. that's kinda huge

AdWeek article (http://www.adweek.com/aw/content_display/news/agency/e3i65d2c29793cbc8e14d91daf98e0dca12?imw=Y)

[Crazy]

This is dangerous. It's hard to refer to the current season of Big Brother as art, but when corporate pressure is applied to entertainment broadcasting it can stifle it's potential.

Still, I think the producers are indignifying the show by intentionally airring not just a person's most vulnerable moments, but inciting the audiance to riot. Ryan was likely chosen for his disapproval of interraccial couples, and Adam very likely refered to autistic children as 'retards' during the casting process.

This is the most scripted reality series ever.