Christopher Biggins’ Jewish agent defends star over ‘Nazi gas chamber’ jibe
Veteran entertainer kicked off Celebrity Big Brother for offensive remarks – including sick anti-Semitic jibe at Jewish contestant Katie Waissel
Christopher Biggins’ Jewish agent has jumped to defence of the veteran entertainer after he was kicked out of Celebrity Big Brother for offensive remarks – including a Nazi gas chamber jibe aimed at Jewish contestant Katie Waissel.
The 67-year-old appeared in Saturday night’s episode, before his removal from the house for “comments capable of causing great offence to housemates and the viewing public” – which included a slur against people with AIDS.
In a statement, the Channel 5 reality TV show stressed: “Big Brother does not tolerate offensive language capable of causing widespread offence”.
Biggins told Jewish News: “I am mortified by what I said. It was a stupid thing to do and I truly regret it. I apologised to Katie straight away and we cleared the air, but I’d also like to apologise to the wider Jewish community.”
Admitting that the remark was about the Nazis and gas chambers, he said: “I suppose I was, yes. But it didn’t occur to me that’s what I was referring to.”
Biggins said he had said sorry to Katie in person after being given a warning by Big Brother, and was sorry for his “trite, ridiculous remark”.
Showbiz agent Jonathan Shalit, who represents Biggins, told Jewish News: “I have been close friends and worked with Biggins for many years and can confirm that he would never intentionally cause offence. If something was said in jest which caused offence then I am certain that was not his intention. Biggins is a much loved and wonderful man.”
Sun on Sunday reports that Biggins made a joke about Nazi gas chambers in front of Waissel, reducing the former X Factor star to tears. While waiting to use the bathroom, he joked: “You had better be careful or they will put you in a shower or take you to a room.” This incident was referred to on Saturday’s show, but not broadcast by Channel 5.
Viewers watched Biggins have a prophetic conversation with Grant Bovey – who became the first housemate evicted by public vote on Friday – about struggling to control what he says. Bovey said: “I’ve just become really analytical of my actions and my words.” Biggins replied: “I’ve made three mistakes in here so I’ve been chastised so I’ve become very aware and careful.”
In Saturday’s episode, Big Brother gathered the housemates at the sofas to inform them that Biggins has been removed from the house and will not be returning. EastEnders actor Ricky Norwood and Whale are left to pack Biggins’ belongings in his case. Fox is seen crying, saying: “I can’t believe it, I’m upset.” Norwood said the decision is “not right”.
Thank you for helping to make Jewish News the leading source of news and opinion for the UK Jewish community. Today we're asking for your invaluable help to continue putting our community first in everything we do.
For as little as £5 a month you can help sustain the vital work we do in celebrating and standing up for Jewish life in Britain.
Jewish News holds our community together and keeps us connected. Like a synagogue, it’s where people turn to feel part of something bigger. It also proudly shows the rest of Britain the vibrancy and rich culture of modern Jewish life.
You can make a quick and easy one-off or monthly contribution of £5, £10, £20 or any other sum you’re comfortable with.
100% of your donation will help us continue celebrating our community, in all its dynamic diversity...
Engaging
Being a community platform means so much more than producing a newspaper and website. One of our proudest roles is media partnering with our invaluable charities to amplify the outstanding work they do to help us all.
Celebrating
There’s no shortage of oys in the world but Jewish News takes every opportunity to celebrate the joys too, through projects like Night of Heroes, 40 Under 40 and other compelling countdowns that make the community kvell with pride.
Pioneering
In the first collaboration between media outlets from different faiths, Jewish News worked with British Muslim TV and Church Times to produce a list of young activists leading the way on interfaith understanding.
Campaigning
Royal Mail issued a stamp honouring Holocaust hero Sir Nicholas Winton after a Jewish News campaign attracted more than 100,000 backers. Jewish Newsalso produces special editions of the paper highlighting pressing issues including mental health and Holocaust remembrance.
Easy access
In an age when news is readily accessible, Jewish News provides high-quality content free online and offline, removing any financial barriers to connecting people.
Voice of our community to wider society
The Jewish News team regularly appears on TV, radio and on the pages of the national press to comment on stories about the Jewish community. Easy access to the paper on the streets of London also means Jewish News provides an invaluable window into the community for the country at large.
We hope you agree all this is worth preserving.