Big Brother Mzansi, barely two weeks into its fifth season, is embroiled in a major controversy sparked by contestant Ashley Ogle’s insensitive remarks regarding fellow housemate Karabo ‘Kay B’ Mphirime’s experience as a rape survivor.
Ogle’s comments, dismissed by some as “mean girl” behaviour, have ignited a firestorm of criticism, raising serious concerns about victim-blaming and the show’s responsibility in fostering a respectful environment.
The incident unfolded during a candid conversation where Kay B bravely shared her trauma. Instead of empathy, Ogle responded with dismissive remarks, suggesting Kay B was seeking attention.
This callous disregard for Kay B’s vulnerability was further compounded by Ogle’s subsequent conversation with Akhonamathemba ‘Sweet Guluva’ Mbele, where she mockingly asked, “Are you crying because you were raped?” followed by laughter. This exchange, captured on the 24-hour live show, quickly went viral, sparking widespread outrage on social media.
Ashley “I can’t wait for KayB to say something…… are you crying because you were raped”
Biggy please remove this thing from our screens. #bbmzansi pic.twitter.com/hZMrQkaKkc— Rearabetswe_M (@kena_lemang_) January 21, 2025
The condemnation wasn’t limited to individual viewers. Women For Change, a non-profit organisation supporting survivors of gender-based violence, released a strong statement condemning Ogle’s actions.
The statement read: “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’s] experience as ‘attention-seeking’ and failing to stand with survivors are harmful microaggressions that perpetuate a culture of victim-blaming.
These attitudes foster a culture of silence and shame, discouraging survivors from speaking out about their experiences, and it extends far beyond the so-called ‘mean girl’ behaviour – it highlights a systemic problem of rape culture.”
Adding fuel to the fire, Ogle engaged in another heated exchange with Siphesihle ‘Mshini’ Lekwadu, making deeply offensive comments about Mshini’s body and referencing her motherhood. Ogle’s statement, “Her p***y is stretched, she pushed out a baby,” further inflamed the situation, perpetuating harmful stereotypes about women’s bodies and sexual health.
Resorting to saying Mshini’s p^*#y is stretched is nasty idc. Swearing at her mom too is diabolical. #BBMzansi pic.twitter.com/CcB8jI9e6n
— MaMbatha 🧚🏽♀️ (@_sihlembatha) January 21, 2025
Medical News Today contributor Claire Sissons clarifies that while vaginal muscles can weaken after childbirth, this is not always permanent, highlighting the inaccuracy and insensitivity of Ogle’s remarks.
The outcry on social media has been intense, with many calling for Ogle’s immediate disqualification from the show. Viewers have pointed to previous seasons, where housemates faced eviction for far less egregious offences.
For example, in Season 4, Lindokuhle ‘Bravo B’ Nsele was disqualified for allegedly plotting sexual activity with inebriated female housemates, and Yolanda Monyai was removed for threatening to “molest” a fellow contestant. The contrast between these actions and the lack of immediate consequences for Ogle’s behaviour has fuelled the public’s anger.
The controversy has also extended to the show’s sponsors. Following the flood of complaints, Multichoice, the broadcaster, issued a statement acknowledging the concerns.
They stated: “The opinions and views expressed in the Big Brother Mzansi Season 5 house are that of the housemates and do not represent the views of Mzansi Magic, LottoStar, Robertsons Spice and Chillers Punch. Big Brother house rules are important and are taken seriously. Big Brother will continue to address any disobedient behaviour that does not adhere to house rules, and while he is not able to force any housemate to apologise, he is determined to drive mutual respect among all housemates.”
Robertson Spice, one of the sponsors, echoed this statement.
While Multichoice’s response acknowledges the severity of the situation, the lack of immediate action against Ogle has left many viewers unsatisfied. The ongoing silence regarding Ogle’s future on the show only intensifies the pressure on Big Brother Mzansi producers to address the situation decisively.
