Star Voices Racism Fears: Shilpa admits

Star Voices Racism Fears

Bollywood star Shilpa Shetty has spoken for the first time of her fears that she is a victim of racism in the Celebrity Big Brother house.

Unaware the race row has developed into an international incident, the housemates had an argument about Oxo cubes.

Following the row, Cleo Rocos told Shilpa: "I don't think there's anything racist in it."

Shilpa replied: "It is, I'm telling you."

Complaints about the show have flooded in since housemate Jade Goody, her mother Jackiey Budden and boyfriend Jack Tweed; model Danielle Lloyd and former S Club singer Jo O'Meara allegedly began bullying the 31-year-old Indian star.

Following the Oxo cube spat, Jade told the actress: "Go back to the slums and find out what real life is like".

A show source has revealed that Shilpa and Jade will face each other in the next eviction vote.

The number of complaints to regulator Ofcom has approached 20,000 and the Indian government has indicated it plans to raise the issue with Britain.

Protesters in India burned effigies of the show's organisers and Chancellor Gordon Brown, on a trip to the country, said the alleged racist remarks were "offensive".

Tony Blair and David Cameron also found themselves commenting on the show and condemning all forms of racism.

Shetty's mother Sunanda told Sky News it was painful watching her daughter cry on TV.

Speaking at her home in Mumbai, Mrs Shetty said: "As a mother I find it very painful and alarming to watch my daughter cry.

"To see her cry on TV while a bunch of people abuse her is a very painful thing for a parent."

Channel 4 has seen a large jump in viewing figures this week, with Tuesday's highlights programme being watched by a million more people than on Monday night.

It said there had been "no overt racial abuse or racist behaviour" directed against Shilpa, and said the star had not voiced any concerns of racial abuse directly to Big Brother.

However, it admitted there had "undoubtedly been a cultural and class clash between her and three of the British females in the house".

"Unambiguous racist behaviour and language is not tolerated under any circumstances in the Big Brother house. Housemates are constantly monitored and Channel 4 would intervene if a clear instance of this arose," it added.

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