Nadia Almada, a former Big Brother contestant, criticized current contestant Ryan Bradshaw for mocking the idea of ‘woke people’ using ‘certain pronouns.’ She expressed her disappointment with the show for allowing such comments to air and felt let down. Nadia, who appeared on the show in 2004 and went on to win that season, was shocked by Ryan’s remarks in the series reboot. She accused the show of using the controversy for publicity and expressed her displeasure at not being protected as a trans woman on the show.
During an appearance on the Queerphobia podcast, Nadia reiterated her feelings of being used by the show and her trans identity being weaponized for views. She explained that she felt vulnerable and not in the right place mentally when she participated in the all-star series in 2010. Nadia described the experience as highly processed, triggering, and intentional, leading her to feel broken. She also mentioned feeling dehumanized, especially by another contestant, US rapper Coolio, whose beliefs and attitudes negatively impacted her mental health.
India Willoughby, another transgender TV personality, joined Nadia in criticizing Ryan’s remarks and the show’s decision to air them. She highlighted the anti-trans sentiments in Ryan’s comments and compared it to derogatory remarks about other communities. India expressed her disappointment in the lack of progress over the years and the mainstream media’s nonchalant attitude towards such issues. Both Nadia and India raised concerns about the treatment of trans individuals and the need for greater respect and inclusion.
Ryan, who is facing the first eviction in the current season, has faces backlash for his past actions as well. Resurfaced clips showed him auditioning for The X Factor in 2013 and making inappropriate comments about women with big breasts. In the videos, he joked about women needing to drink more milk because of their breast size, displaying inappropriate behavior. Viewers criticized his actions, and both Nadia and India’s comments added to the backlash against him.
Overall, the controversy surrounding Ryan’s comments on Big Brother has sparked conversations about respect, inclusion, and the treatment of transgender individuals in the media. Nadia’s criticism of the show for allowing such comments to air reflects broader concerns about the representation and protection of marginalized communities. India’s comments also shed light on the lack of progress in accepting and respecting transgender people in mainstream media. The backlash against Ryan for his past actions further emphasizes the need for greater sensitivity and accountability from individuals in the public eye. The incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by marginalized groups in society and the importance of creating a more inclusive and respectful environment for all.
