The upcoming season of The Apprentice, set to premiere on Thursday, is already marred by controversy following the discovery of offensive tweets from contestant Levi Hodgetts-Hague. These tweets, dating back a decade, have prompted the BBC to call for stricter vetting procedures for participants of the show, which has a notorious history of attracting problematic figures.
Offensive Comments Resurface
The tweets uncovered reveal a disturbing pattern of derogatory language employed by Hodgetts-Hague. The posts include deeply offensive remarks about Muslims, referring to them as “dirty,” and degrading comments about women, calling them “slags” and “dogs.” Furthermore, the contestant expressed support for far-right activist Tommy Robinson while inciting British citizens to oppose Islam.
In response to the situation, a spokesperson for the BBC stated that the broadcaster was “completely unaware” of these “abhorrent comments.” The production company, Naked, has been instructed to conduct a thorough review of its social media vetting processes, acknowledging that the current protocols have failed in this instance. “The views presented are totally unacceptable and we are taking this extremely seriously,” the BBC added.
A History of Controversy
This incident is not an isolated case for The Apprentice, a reality competition where 20 ambitious candidates vie for a £250,000 investment from Lord Sugar. The series has faced backlash before for its selection of contestants. Earlier this year, Dr Asif Munaf, a participant from the previous season, was struck off the medical register after being found guilty of posting 36 antisemitic, racist, and sexist comments on social media. Additionally, Tom Bunday, a contestant from season 13, was imprisoned for violent assault, and in 2006, Katie Hopkins drew significant outrage for her inflammatory remarks.
Julian Henry, a celebrity public relations expert, emphasised that the ultimate responsibility for vetting contestants lies with Naked, not the BBC. He suggested that the production company, being part of a larger media group with an experienced CEO, should be held accountable for any inappropriate views expressed by participants, whether past or present. Henry noted that the pressures of casting can lead to corners being cut, especially when the process is time-consuming and resource-intensive.
Need for Stricter Oversight
Jamie Medhurst, a professor at Aberystwyth University, pointed out that the recent controversies, including the previous MasterChef host scandal, indicate a potential lack of oversight in the casting process. He speculated that the casting team may not have conducted an exhaustive background check, given that the offensive tweets were made over ten years ago. However, he acknowledged that the desire to cast “interesting” personalities for engaging television could lead to overlooking candidates’ less savoury pasts.
Alex Segal, managing director of the InterTalent agency, explained that reality shows like The Apprentice often consist of ensemble casts, where each contestant is chosen to fulfil a specific role. This mix can lead to dramatic conflicts, which are essential for compelling television. However, he cautioned that while agents and third-party providers may perform social media checks, these methods are not foolproof. “If Hodgetts-Hague’s comments had been picked up, he wouldn’t have made the show, I suspect,” he remarked, underscoring the oversight that allowed such views to slip through the net.
Commitment to Compliance
Despite the ongoing scrutiny, Naked maintains that it is committed to safeguarding its contestants and ensuring compliance with industry standards. The production company affirmed that all contestants undergo DBS checks, have their social media histories scrutinised by third-party providers, and receive training on inclusive language and respectful conduct. A spokesperson stated, “Compliance is taken extremely seriously, and our procedures are kept under continual review.”
Why it Matters
The resurfacing of Hodgetts-Hague’s offensive tweets highlights a critical need for television networks and production companies to implement more rigorous vetting processes. With the power of social media in amplifying past actions, it is crucial for reality shows, particularly those as prominent as The Apprentice, to ensure that their contestants not only embody the values of the programme but also do not carry a history of hateful rhetoric. This incident serves as a reminder that the quest for engaging content must not come at the expense of societal values, and that media platforms bear a responsibility to reflect a more inclusive and respectful narrative.
