News Release, 18 January 2007
Andrew McCulloch, Chief Executive of the Mental Health Foundation today expressed serious concern about the bullying of Celebrity Big Brother contestant Shilpa Shetty:
"We are very surprised that Channel 4 and Endemol bosses have not intervened to protect the welfare of a contestant. Attempts should be made to stop the bullying behaviour because it can be damaging for an individual’s emotional and mental health.
"We can only hope that a psychologist has been on hand to speak with Shilpa, and that Channel 4 and Endemol have procedures in place to ensure that support is offered to all contestants when they leave the Big Brother house - not only for Shilpa but also for some of the others who may need help to cope with angry members of the public. The after effects of taking part in a programme such as this can be traumatic."
In May 2006, the Mental Health Foundation’s Chief Executive wrote to Channel 4 bosses expressing concern about a contestant taking part in Big Brother 7, and asked what screening and welfare measures were in place to protect contestants. Channel 4 never made the details available.
Ends
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Notes to editors
For further information please contact the Press Office on 020 7803 1126 / 1130 or email the press office
The Mental Health Foundation uses research and practical projects to help people survive, recover from and prevent mental health problems. We work to influence policy, including government at the highest levels. And we use our knowledge to raise awareness and to help tackle the stigma attached to mental illness. We reach millions of people every year through our media work, information booklets and online services.
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