Big Brother Mzansi fans are expressing their outrage online, calling for the immediate disqualification of housemates Ash-ley Ogle and Bongiwe “Bonni B” Booi. The controversy erupted after the two made insensitive remarks about fellow housemate Florence “Kay B” Maphirime’s rape trauma, leading to widespread criticism.
During a recent episode of the show, Kay B bravely shared her experience as a rape survivor. However, Ash-ley and Bonni B dismissed her revelation, accusing her of seeking attention. This dismissive attitude sparked anger among viewers, many of whom took to social media to voice their disapproval.
In response to the incident, X user Zizile Mthembu wrote to the Broadcasting Complaints Commission of South Africa (BCCSA) and the show’s producers. “Their comments not only display a profound lack of understanding of the gravity of rape as a societal issue but also perpetuate harmful stereotypes and retraumatise survivors of sexual violence,” Mthembu said. “As a viewer and concerned citizen, I believe this behaviour is unacceptable and warrants immediate intervention.”
Hey @BBMzansi @BBMzansi @MNet #BBMzansiumlilo #bbmzansi #Ashley #SweetGuluva #Bonnie #MshiniLekwadu #Mshini #BravoB #Bigbrothermzansi2025 pic.twitter.com/3PAAmnDGNp
— Mfazi ka Bhuti (@MthembuZizile) January 22, 2025Women for Change also condemned the remarks, calling them deeply troubling. “When a woman bravely shares her story of sexual assault, it is vital to offer support, not judgment or mockery,” the organization stated. They further emphasised that labeling Kay B’s experience as “attention-seeking” perpetuates harmful microaggressions and victim-blaming, which discourages survivors from speaking out.
The recent conversation between Ashley and Bonni on Big Brother, which invalidated a survivor's experience, is deeply troubling.
When a woman bravely shares her story of sexual assault, it is vital to offer support, not judgment or mockery. Labelling Karabo ‘Kay B’ Mphirime… pic.twitter.com/I1nXEWsarp
— Women For Change (@womenforchange5) January 21, 2025According to TshisaLIVE, a petition has been launched demanding Ash-ley and Bonni B’s disqualification. The petition, which gained more than 200 signatures within hours of its launch, describes their behavior as unacceptable and harmful. “All forms of gender-based violence, including verbal ones, should be severely condemned and not aired for entertainment,” the petition reads.
The controversy has also revealed other concerning incidents. Ash-ley has been accused of making racist comments, referring to other housemates as “these black people,” and mocking Mshini’s private life and childbirth situation. Both Ash-ley and Bonni B’s treatment of Kay B has drawn additional criticism, with some calling their behavior “egregiously insensitive.”
The situation has sparked a heated debate on social media, with some defending the two housemates while others demand their removal from the show. As the controversy continues to unfold, it remains clear that this issue has touched a nerve with many, calling attention to the need for respect and sensitivity towards survivors of trauma.
When we call out Ashley from being racist they think we are exaggerating.
She is now calling Mshini @BBMzansi a "black poes". This will definitely become a national issue. Can big brother address the situation quickly! #BBMzansi pic.twitter.com/MjLfioN65Z
— K (@kay__tau) January 22, 2025I believe more than anything, Big Brother is a true representation of our society, esp as SA. Nothing occurs in a vacuum, every vile thing the housemates do or say is literally us. From rape apologists, colorists, to bullies. Everything! I'm not shocked, just sad. #BBMzansi
— Kelz (@K__4Kelz) January 22, 2025Is big brother really going to let a rape apologist get away? This is getting out of control and she’s making the show intolerable to watch. Create drama with other things, but don’t make fun of rape @BBMzansi #BBMzansi
— faith 🤎 (@_renaey_xx) January 21, 2025Ppl be watching black toxic reality TV and hyping it, but come to Big Brother to talk about morals. Switch your TV off when Ashley comes on screen and stop bitching. #BBMzansi
— Mathabo (@MavisJantjies) January 21, 2025“ if big brother doesn’t disqualify them i will email the BCCSA” email them🤷🏽♀️ what’s holding yall ?The show is rated R18, the show is not responsible for the views and opinions of the hms!Now drink water and stop watching. Biggie will act when e wants and how he wants #BBMzansi pic.twitter.com/IftUBtEfeu
— Audrey “Sisi” (@Rise_Mororiseng) January 22, 2025
