LONDON - Viewers have criticised Channel 5 show Celebrity Big Brother for broadcasting Angie Bowie's reaction to her ex-husband David Bowie's sudden death, calling it disgusting and distasteful.
The programme showed a short clip at the end of Monday night's programme, promoting Tuesday night's episode of the show. In it, the 66-year-old American breaks down telling Big Brother: "I haven't seen him in so many years, I can't make a big drama out of it".
The author, who was married to the music legend between 1970 and 1980, had a son with him named Zowie, who later changed his name to Duncan.
As viewers watched Angie cry in the diary room, she was heard telling producers: "It just feels like an era has ended with his passing".
On Monday, producers said in a statement that Angie would be told off air. Viewers took to Twitter to criticise the programme for showing footage of her reacting to the news.
Disgusted at #CBB for showing the footage of Angie Bowie breaking down. What a hideous violation of her privacy.
— Rachel Ellen Pugh (@Siren_Sister) January 12, 2016
Wow can't believe #CBB just showed the moment Angie Bowie found out as a 'preview' for tomorrow's show. Using a death for viewing figures.. — Becki McKeown (@beckimckeown) January 11, 2016
The show responded to criticism.
For those asking – Angie was told the tragic news about David Bowie off camera by her agent, then spoke to BB about it in the Diary Room.
— Big Brother UK (@bbuk) January 11, 2016
Which led to further disapproval from viewers.
@bbuk To use the footage of Angie crying as a teaser to promote tomorrow’s show was really distasteful and exploitative. — Julie (@Dusty_Milo) January 11, 2016
@bbuk Still filmed her breaking down over it... she shouldn't be grieving on national TV. — Helena (@helenasworld90) January 11, 2016
@bbuk some things said in the diary room should remain private. This is one of those things that should not be aired. Poor decision by CBB
— Jayney Clarke (@jayneyclarke) January 11, 2016
In an emailed statement on Tuesday morning, Channel 5 said: "Angie Bowie was told off-camera about the tragic death of David Bowie by her agent. She then took the decision to remain in the house of her own accord. Tonight’s preview of the upcoming programme included footage of Angie in the diary room after she had heard the news about her ex-husband".
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