Vimbai Mutinhiri, Big Brother Amplified (BBA) Zimbabwean representative, defended the reality show saying housemates were not moral ambassadors and were not to be blamed for any immoral behaviour by the public.
“Who said Big Brother is the standard moral? Being a housemate does not mean you were recruited to be a moral ambassador for Africa,” she said during a discussion on the reality television show held at the US Embassy Public Affairs Section on Tuesday afternoon.
She added that people needed to take reality shows for what they are.
“Reality shows are mainly there to entertain and people should not expect too much from them. Enjoy them as entertainment and do not scrutinise the way people behave in them or anything like that,” she said.
One participant at the discussion supported Vimbai saying in reality shows some people revealed their true colours.
“In Zimbabwe, it is hard for us to express ourselves freely due to our culture. But with reality shows, you are free to do as you like and express yourself freely,” said the participant.
Some participants had lambasted BBA saying it was not in line with African culture with others suggesting that organisers of the show had ways of luring people to push their immoral agenda by offering high amounts of money for the winners.
“Big Brother offer $200 000 so why would one refuse to enter such a show? After all, sex sells so some go to the extent of having sex in the house or being nude on camera so as to lure votes,” said a participant.
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Others blamed the media for supporting “immoral” reality shows by giving them too much publicity. Vimbai supported BBA saying it had changed her life in so many ways.
“I entered BBA to relaunch and market my modelling career and it worked well for me as I am well-known now. I have also been able to pursue assignments in entertainment, something I have always wanted to do,” she said.
Former BBA housemate Munyaradzi Chidzonga, who was also meant to be part of the panel, did not attend the event as he had other commitments.
The discussion, attended by high school students and members of the media, was facilitated by an online youth magazine, DefZee.
