Reality television contestant George Gilbert has spoken out after he was ejected from the Big Brother house following multiple breaches of programme rules regarding offensive conduct and language.
ITV confirmed the 23-year-old parish councillor from Braintree was removed with immediate effect on Wednesday after repeatedly violating behavioural standards despite receiving several prior warnings.
The broadcaster stated that Mr Gilbert “will no longer participate in the programme” due to his continued use of inappropriate language and conduct that breached broadcasting regulations.
His removal occurred whilst he faced potential eviction alongside three other housemates, with the scheduled Friday vote proceeding without him.
ITV Big Brother: George Gilbert was removed from the house on Wednesday
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ITV
The specific comments that triggered his ejection were deemed too offensive for broadcast under UK television standards, though earlier incidents had been shown to viewers.
Following his departure from the programme, Mr Gilbert characterised himself as “a flag bearer of freedom of speech” whilst acknowledging he had crossed boundaries.
“As a flag bearer of freedom of speech, I never hesitate to discuss and question any topic regardless of how contentious it may be,” Gilbert stated in comments reported by The Sun.
“Sadly, the boundaries of what is deemed offensive are subjective, and I evidently went too far this time by crossing their line one too many times.”
ITV Big Brother: George Gilbert clashed with several housemates
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ITV
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The former contestant expressed regret that certain discussions couldn’t continue, adding: “It is a shame that specific debate could not be had and that it has had to end like this. Infamy, infamy, they’ve all got it in for me.”
Earlier in the series, Mr Gilbert received a formal warning after ridiculing fellow contestant Sam Ashby during a truth or dare game.
When asked to identify housemates’ worst qualities, Mr Gilbert mimicked Mr Ashby using exaggerated sounds and gestures, including limp wrist movements.
The incident left Mr Ashby distressed, telling Big Brother: “It felt like I was back at school” and describing Mr Gilbert’s impression as “rude.”
ITV Big Brother: George Gilbert left Sam Ashby in tears
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ITV
During a subsequent diary room session, Big Brother confronted Mr Gilbert about his conduct, asking: “Do you understand how both your language and behaviour could be offensive to Sam, your housemates and the viewing public?”
Mr Gilbert apologised, stating he “didn’t want to make anyone feel like that” and would be “walking on eggshells around Sam from here on in.”
Big Brother formally warned him that his behaviour was unacceptable and could cause offence.
According to reports in The Sun, the incident that ultimately led to Mr Gilbert’s immediate expulsion involved remarks that could be interpreted as antisemitic.
ITV Big Brother: George Gilbert branded himself an advocate of ‘free speech’
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ITV
Whilst ITV has not disclosed the precise nature of these comments, the broadcaster confirmed they violated UK broadcasting standards and would not be aired.
This final breach occurred after Mr Gilbert had already received multiple warnings for inappropriate language throughout his time in the house.
Mr Gilbert had been nominated for eviction by more than half of his fellow housemates before his removal.
His controversial opinions extended to LGBTQ+ representation in children’s entertainment, where he compared a same-sex kiss in Pixar’s Lightyear to “pornography.”
During a discussion with fellow housemates, he questioned why filmmakers were “trying to ram it down the throat” and accused them of promoting “a certain political ideology” through children’s films.
He argued that filmmakers were attempting to “hijack children’s films and insert political messaging.”