The Celebrity Traitors is facing scrutiny over racial bias allegations after American actress Myha’la discussed her elimination from the BBC reality show. The ‘Industry’ star acknowledged that unconscious racial and cultural bias could influence contestants’ judgments.
However, she defended her co-stars, saying she did not believe they deliberately targeted her because of her race.
Myha’la says unconscious racial and cultural bias exists on the BBC’s The Celebrity Traitors
Myha’la became the second contestant eliminated from the show’s second series after a tense roundtable. Her actions, including defending Traitor Richard E. Grant before voting for him at the last moment, raised suspicions among fellow contestants.
Following her exit, entrepreneur Chantel Sachanna commented on Myha’la’s Instagram post, claiming she had been eliminated because she was Black. “Unfortunately you were banished because you are BLACK. This is a consistent thread in this racist show,” Sachanna wrote. (via Daily Mail)
In response, Myha’la agreed that unconscious bias could affect how people interpreted her behavior. “I do agree that unconscious racial and cultural bias exists in this game where my authenticity or honesty or the ways in which I choose to express myself look suspicious to people who are unfamiliar with people like me,” she explained.
However, the actress also defended her fellow contestants, writing, “I’m not saying it’s right, I’m not saying racism doesn’t exist, but I do have to defend my dear friends on this show who in no way consciously put bias on me because of my race.”
Myha’la added that reality shows like The Traitors should encourage conversations about unconscious bias and how people make judgments under pressure. She also acknowledged that her closeness with Grant may have contributed to her elimination, admitting, “I immediately got close to Richard, just because I feel like we’re twin flames. Really, I shouldn’t trust him as far as I could throw him, which is ultimately, I think, my demise.”
Following her departure, fans and fellow contestants expressed their support online. Little Mix singer Leigh-Anne Pinnock wrote, “Don’t get me startedddd love you girl!”
The discussion has also prompted comparisons with the non-celebrity version of The Traitors. In that, three of the first Faithfuls eliminated in the fourth series earlier this year were minority ethnic contestants.
