BIG BROTHER UTI'S FATHER PASSES AWAY.

On Monday 9 August, Uti heard from Big Brother that his father had passed away. Big Brother gave Uti various options concerning his situation. Today (Thurs 12 August) Big Brother addressed the Housemates and the Barnmates and elaborated on Uti's situation as follows:

Condolences

Firstly, Big Brother would like to express condolences to Uti and his family on the sad occasion of the passing away of Uti’s father this past Sunday. Out of respect and sensitivity for Uti and his family, Big Brother would like to clarify the circumstances and conditions concerning Uti’s further participation in the Big Brother series.

The family called the producers with the news on Monday morning. Big Brother monitored a phone call in the diary room in which Uti’s sister informed him that his father had gone. His sister indicated that the preparations for the funeral may take up to three weeks.

Uti was understandably very upset and distressed about his father and confused about his status in the Big Brother game.

Status

Under ‘Emergencies’ dealing with ‘family crisis’ the Big Brother rule reads as follows:
‘Should there be any extreme crisis in a contestant’s family or private life outside of the show, Big Brother will communicate this to them. Should a Housemate and Big Brother decide that the nature of the crisis mean that they have to leave for any protracted time, they will not be allowed to re enter the house and may be replaced.’

Big Brother presented two options to Uti and his family:

1. Uti leaves the Big Brother house immediately until the funeral . This would entail an absence of 2 to 3 weeks as no funeral arrangements are in place yet. In this case Uti may not return to the game.

2. Should Uti attend the funeral only, an absence of 3 to 4 days including travel would be required. In this instance he would be accompanied by 2 chaperones, a senior member of the production team and a Nigerian who is conversant with the language of Uti’s family. This monitoring arrangement would be in place to ensure no communication with the outside world on any information which may impact on the contestant’s behaviour in the Big Brother series. Should this monitoring be judged to be effective, Big Brother would allow Uti back into the game on terms and conditions prescribed by Big Brother.

Uti and the family were given 24 hours to seriously think through the two options.

After 24 hours a follow up discussion was held telephonically between Uti, his sister (representing the family) and the producers. Uti and his family chose the second option - that is to leave the house for the actual funeral for 3 to 4 days, fully chaperoned, and to return to the game should all the conditions be strictly adhered to.

Big Brother has agreed to this option.


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