Controversy and Criticism
See also: List of controversies of Big Brother (U.S.)Autism United, a national autism group, demanded an apology from CBS over controversial remarks made by HouseGuest Adam Jasinski. During the second episode, Adam stated he worked for an autism foundation and would spend his winnings on a hair salon for people with developmental disabilities "so retards can get it together and get their hair done". Sheila, who was his partner in the house, found his remarks highly offensive. Adam replied with saying "can call them whatever I want because he work with them all day". In a letter obtained by TMZ from John Gilmore, Executive Director of Autism United to Sumner Redstone, Chairman of CBS Corporation, Gilmore demanded action be taken after the Wednesday episode. Gilmore claimed that the network chose to air the segment for "their own personal goals." The organization also called for the show to be canceled and the organization has contacted advertisers over the issue. Due to the controversy, Lowe's has decided not to advertise during future Big Brother episodes, but it was unclear whether or not they were currently advertising during the program. Autism United has also contacted other advertisers, such as Campbell's Soup, Claritin, Geico, McDonald's and Taco Bell. Autism United and various parents in South Florida are calling for an investigation into Adam Jasinski and the United Autism Foundation. The organization claims to be a 501 c3 charity (deductions made to the organization would be considered tax deductible under current IRS regulations.) The website for United Autism Foundation has an apology regarding Adam's behavior and states he will no longer be working for the company.
After winning Big Brother 9 on April 27, 2008, Adam declared he would donate $100,000 to the Autism Foundation. On October 19, 2009, Jasinski was arrested, and charged by the DEA in North Reading, MA for possession of 2,000 oxycodone pills with intent to distribute. Jasinski allegedly admitted funding his illegal venture with his $500,000 winnings from the show. He faces a maximum of 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine. Big Brother finalist Sheila Kennedy, who was part of the jury and voted for Jasinski to win the $500,000 grand prize, stated she felt betrayed by him for using his prize money to fund a drug ring, due to his promise to donate part of it to the autism foundation. Houseguest Allison said, "I hope Adam gets the maximum time he deserves because this is terrible."
On Day 31, Matt used the word "nigga" when referring to another (white) HouseGuest. The incident in question was aired on both the live Internet feeds and the spin-off show Big Brother: After Dark on Showtime 2.
On Day 70, there was a controversial Head of Household competition where the HouseGuests were to determine if certain statements were "fact" or "fiction." Many fans of the show, including House Calls co-host Dick Donato, were displeased with the final "fact or fiction" statement, which dealt with how many preexisting relationships there were in the house. The correct answer was three, which counted two relationships between HouseGuests (Jacob & Sharon and Jen & Ryan) and also the relationships between the guinea pigs. Some fans considered this question unfair. Sharon missed the question, leading to her losing the HoH competition and ultimately being evicted.
Read more about this topic: Big Brother 9 (U.S.)
Famous quotes containing the words controversy and/or criticism:
“And therefore, as when there is a controversy in an account, the parties must by their own accord, set up for right Reason, the Reason of some Arbitrator, or Judge, to whose sentence, they will both stand, or their controversy must either come to blows, or be undecided, for want of a right Reason constituted by Nature; so is it also in all debates of what kind soever.”
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