22 February 2024 , 21:29
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Faryal Makhdoom claims that she's been "dropped" from Celebrity Big Brother days before the launch, suggesting it's due to her social media activity and support of Palestine.
The content creator, 32, has been among the rumoured housemates for ITV's upcoming revival of the reality TV show, which was last broadcast by Channel 5 in 2018. The new series' live launch is scheduled to be held on March 4.
Ahead of the premiere, Faryal - who is married to former professional boxer Amir Khan - has claimed that she accepted a "very lucrative offer" to appear on the show. She however now alleges that she's been "told to step down" and said it's a "violation of free speech".
Faryal made the claims in a video that she shared on Instagram on Thursday afternoon. It follows posts on her account about the conflict involving Palestine and Israel in recent months, which she alleged have influenced the decision.
Faryal Makhdoom has claimed that she's been 'told step down' from Celebrity Big Brother (Instagram/ @faryalmakhdoom)
The content creator shared a video message with her followers on Instagram earlier (Instagram/ @faryalmakhdoom)As articles about a potential stint in the Big Brother house were shown, Faryal claimed in the video: "As many of you may know, I was offered to do a show for which the producers had offered me a few years ago and I had previously refused.
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"This time they made a very lucrative offer and after a lot of convincing I finally agreed to sign for the show. I also wanted to do this show to make it more inclusive for the Muslim community. But it seems from my social media activity and being pro-Palestine is not appropriate for ITV and its sponsors."
She continued in the video message: "Mind you ITV and this particular show has had many controversial people on it before but for some reason I was singled out. I was told to step down ten days before going in. I have never in my life been treated like this. It's a violation of free speech."
Faryal further commented: "This is why cowards with a huge following, especially Muslims, refuse to speak on this issue because they deprive you of opportunities and so you have no choice but to support them and stand by them."
Faryal, pictured with her husband Amir Khan, had been among the rumoured housemates for ITV's upcoming revival of the show (Instagram/amirkingkhan)
However, an ITV spokesperson has since told The Mirror: "We meet numerous prospective housemates when casting for Celebrity Big Brother, however the final line up is not confirmed until closer to transmission.
"As per our welfare protocols, we are unable to comment on the casting process for individual prospective Housemates, other than to say that suitability to participate is determined by a number of factors."
Last year, Faryal shared a screenshot of an apparent message that she'd received in which it was apparently stated that there would be a "reward" for no longer speaking about the situation in Palestine. She said in the video shared this week: "Bear in mind I was offered money not to speak on this certain issue but I rejected it. For me, no amount of money will ever stop me from speaking on the injustice happening in Palestine."
She told fans in the video that she receives messages, including "threats," from people on social media encouraging her to "stop advocating for the people of Palestine". She added: "These people don't realise this world is temporary. I may lose a lot in this temporary world, [but] in the long run we will be rewarded for standing by the truth. And I really hope you guys continue to raise awareness and boycott these genocide supporters."
And she wrote in the caption of the post: "Never sell your faith for fame. In the end, all that matters is that you can walk with your head held up high, knowing you stood by justice and what was right, especially in the midst of a genocide. I will never ever compromise on my integrity and values. May Allah be pleased with us all."
Mirror Online has reached out to ITV for comment.