Celeb Big Brother in peace mission to cool controversy

LONDON - Channel 4 has decided to donate all profits from tonight's 'Celebrity Big Brother' phone vote to charity, while in the house, intervention by producers led to Jade and Danielle last night apologising to Shilpa for the way they have treated her.

The broadcaster will be hoping the turn of events extinguishes the controversy around its hit show, which yesterday resulted in Carphone Warehouse suspending its £3m sponsorship as complaints to Ofcom hit 38,000.

Criticism of the channel was amplified yesterday by culture secretary Tessa Jowell going on record to brand the show "disgusting".

She said: "I think this is racism being presented as entertainment, and I think it is disgusting. My personal view is that this has caused enormous offence not only abroad but to the Indian community here."

In fire-fighting mode yesterday, Andy Duncan, chief executive of Channel 4, issued a statement defending the show, as well as explaining that producers have now stepped in to make Jade and Danielle aware of concerns about their comments.

"What constitutes racism is a complex question. We have been monitoring extremely carefully events in the house and have reached the view that we cannot with certainty say that the comments directed at Shilpa have been racially motivated or whether they stem from broader cultural and social differences.

"We have already intervened with Danielle and, as viewers will see tonight, again with Jade where we felt their comments might be construed to have racist overtones. Producers also spoke to Shilpa today who said she did not feel that behaviour towards her was racist."

The climate in the house improved last night as Shilpa told Jade "I don't think you're racist" after Jade initiated a peace talk. The pair worked through their differences and Jade said "I'm sorry" and hugged Shilpa.

Later, Danielle also apologised to Shilpa for ganging up on her with Jade.

However, the moves came too late to stop damage to Jade and Danielle's images and commercial interests.

Jade's perfume Shh... was yesterday withdrawn by nationwide retailer The Perfume Shop and Danielle's year-long modelling contract with motorcycle insurer Bennetts was cancelled.

Earlier in the day, Shilpa had told Big Brother in the diary room that she wanted to withdraw her comment that implied the bullying she was subjected to was racially motivated.

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