star Trish Balusa has given her first interview since and said she’s ‘literally devastated’.
Fans of the reality show have criticised for using racist and homophobic language in posts written around 10 years ago.
Trish has now admitted looking back on her past tweets was a ‘shock’.
She also insisted: ‘I can’t explain the embarrassment I felt. I can’t explain the embarrassment I still feel.’
Speaking to Indy100, Trish said: ‘It was a shock to look at some of those tweets. Naturally, I felt defensive.
‘I thought, “no, I didn’t write that” but then I copied and pasted some of the tweets to see if it would come up on my Twitter and when I realised it did, honestly, I was literally devastated.’
Trish went on: ‘I can’t explain the embarrassment I felt. I can’t explain the embarrassment I still feel.
‘I have been complicit in perpetuating views that are very hurtful for others. That are very oppressive towards others.’
She added: ‘It’s been shocking but it’s been a mirror. It’s highlighted that as I teach people, I came from a place of being taught.’
Some of the tweets in question – which were screenshotted before the account was deactivated – include: ‘There are Asian people everywhere but why do the ones in Ilford/EastHam/Upton Park and Barking smell like this kmt (kiss my teeth). Shame on you.’
That was posted on March 13, 2012.
Another of Trish’s tweets from October 20, 2012, read: ‘The smell of Pondu cooking is so strong, I hope I don’t leave my house smelling of it like Asian people smell of Curry at times.’
When the tweets came to light, Trish issued a lengthy apology, saying in part: ‘I’m aware that some very concerning old tweets of mine have resurfaced, and I would like to sincerely apologise for the harmful stereotypes I perpetuated and the pain I have caused to the marginalised communities and groups of people mentioned.’
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Big Brother told Metro.co.uk: ‘This weekend, we have been made aware of concerning historical tweets.
‘We are currently looking into why they were not identified by the independent supplier we engage to review the digital footprint of potential Housemates as part of our pre-checks.’
