Big Brother's Omar breaks silence to address "uncomfortable" scenes with Rhianna after his eviction

Big Brother's Omar has reflected on the controversy he faced around his relationship with fellow housemate Rhianna during his time on the show. The recently evicted housemate sparked the most Ofcom complaints of any civilian on the reality TV series due to his treatment of Rhianna.

Domestic violence charity Women's Aid issued a statement addressing his behaviour, while Rhianna's family and other former contestants also aired their concerns.

Appearing on last night's episode of The Group Chat (4 November), Omar spoke to hosts GK Barry and Kate Lawler about the "uncomfortable" moments he shared with his now ex-girlfriend.

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"I've got to be honest, Omar, some of the conversations you had in there and some of the moments between you were really uncomfortable for us to watch," Kate told him.

He responded: "Of course. Like you said, we did have a lot of highs and lows, and at the end of the day we are navigating a relationship on telly.

"Like, I remember, there was a point where I've literally sat down and I was like, 'Oh my days, I'm in a relationship'."

He continued: "There were times we did argue a lot, but there were also great times. I think, overall, at times where I was a bit nasty - and I didn't mean to be that way - that wasn't my intention."

Omar said he felt like there was "a lot of miscommunication" between the pair, and times where he was "trying to communicate something, but it didn't come out the right way".

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He explained: "But we did have loads of conversations, loads of interventions, like, daily. We'd always speak about things, and we really did iron it out, I feel like, towards the end. And we just never saw that side of things ever again, really."

Kate asked Omar if he could "learn from this experience", to which he replied: "Most definitely."

When asked about the lessons he's learned from his relationship with Rhianna, he said: "Definitely being more open to understand, being more open to listen, and really just giving everyone a chance and taking in everyone's point of view.

"At the end of the day, life isn't just one perspective; it isn't just my perspective in life. It's not only my world and the way I see it - it's not say all, do all, be all. But sometimes I feel like the way I am as a person, and the way I come across, is, 'Yeah, everything I say is say all, do all, be all', but that's not how I am, and that's not how I see myself.

"But, I feel like I've definitely learned that I should probably listen more."

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ITV issued a statement when fans raised concerns, saying: "All Housemates receive Respect and Inclusion training and an extensive briefing from the Big Brother Senior team to prepare them for living in the House and to set out Big Brother’s expectations for appropriate behaviour and language.

"Housemates are monitored 24 hours a day and any instances of inappropriate behaviour are responded to appropriately."

It added: "Welfare and safeguarding are prioritised throughout the production, with a dedicated welfare team available to support Housemates before, during and after their time in the House."

Veronica Oakeshott, Women's Aid head of external affairs, commented in a statement: "The nature of abuse means that it often begins with 'red flag' coercive and controlling behaviours like isolating you from friends or repeatedly putting you down, before escalating into other forms of abuse.

"Coercive control creates invisible chains and a sense of fear that impacts every element of a survivor’s life. It’s worrying to see behaviours like this being given a platform in popular media like Big Brother. We’ve been contacted by many viewers who have expressed concern."

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She continued: "Not only does Big Brother risk minimising survivors’ experiences, it also risks presenting abuse as a form of entertainment. We must do better to call out and reject abuse as soon as we see it, so women and children can learn the signs and themselves feel confident in speaking up and seeking safety.

"Producers should understand their responsibility to keep contestants emotionally and physically safe. The women in these programmes are real people and need real support."

Oakeshott concluded: "We continue to urge television companies such as ITV to engage with experts like Women’s Aid to understand the nature of abuse and how they can do better to protect contestants. We would welcome a discussion with the Big Brother team."

Omar had been warned by Big Brother over "some of [his] language used on more than one occasion and the behaviour [he'd] exhibited". He has not been accused of any physical abuse. The contestant was told that his actions "cause offence" to his fellow housemates or the viewing public.

Later, Rhianna responded after Omar asked if he'd "ever controlled [her] in any way". She said: "The word 'controlled' is crazy. You haven't, and I don't feel that way. I am my own person. No one can control me, just like no one can control you."

If you've been affected by any of the issues raised in this story, organisations including Refuge and Women's Aid can provide further support and information. The 24-hour, freephone National Domestic Abuse Helpline is 0808 2000 247.

The US National Domestic Violence Hotline is 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), or text LOVEIS to 22522.

Big Brother airs on ITV2 and ITVX.

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Freelance Reporter, Digital Spy Rebecca is a freelance journalist who specializes in TV and film. After beginning her career as a digital entertainment journalist for the Express & Star and Shropshire Star, she embarked on a freelance career in 2021 contributing to the likes of Metro UK, The Sun, WhatCulture, Screen Rant, FilmHounds Magazine and more. Her particular field of interest is horror cinema and she has written for genre publications such as Ghouls Magazine and Moving Pictures Film Club. LinkedIn