DANAN CELEB BIO BRO RACE ROW:
Bosses’ fear as Karthik lashes out over name
TELLY chiefs are reeling over a racism clash between Paul Danan and Karthik Nagesan just a week into the new CBB series.
Apprentice star Karthik, 34, hit out at the former Hollyoaks actor for repeatedly mispronouncing his name and calling him Qatar.
Tensions flared as the pair argued in front of the other housemates.
The IT consultant said: “Are you being racist Paul? My name is Karthik dude. Qatar is a Middle Eastern airways.”
Paul, 39, responded: “I’m not going to say another thing, yeah, but don’t play the racist card with me.”
As the row intensified, the ex soap star ranted: “Don’t call me racist!
“What a f***ing d***. What the f***?”
CBB bosses are desperate to keep a lid on the outbursts and for the mood in the house to stay upbeat like reality ratings rival Love Island.
Repeat
The incident has echoes of the show’s furious 2007 race storm when the late Jade Goody, S Club singer Jo O’Meara and model Danielle Lloyd were all branded racists. Fans were outraged by their behaviour towards Bollywood star Shilpa Shetty after calling her Shilpa Poppadom. One source said: “Producers obviously hate the idea of a repeat of the Shilpa Shetty thing. “They want to steer clear of any racism claims. It is not a good image.” Viewers immediately took to social media to complain. One fumed online: “If Paul Danan gets away with his racist comments to Karthik, I’m going to be livid! Jade Goody did the same thing and ruined her career.” And another pointed out: “Paul does not like the racist card being used because it could ruin what’s left of his career.” But others backed the actor, with one fan saying: “That’s so wrong of Karthik to call Paul racist for getting his name wrong! Racist is a strong word.” The pair appeared to bury the hatchet on last night’s show as they hugged and apologised to each other. Paul said: “I am really, really sorry if I offended you. I think you’re so funny, you have got such good character.” Karthik then replied: “Of course we’re cool.”