BIGGINS: POLICE PROBE CALL
Co-star Katie’s mum in tears over ‘anti-Semitic’ Big Brother jibe
POLICE should quiz Christopher Biggins over an alleged rant on the Holocaust, the mum of co-star Katie Waissel has demanded.
Biggins, 67, was kicked off Celebrity Big Brother after a series of“offensive” comments. Katie’s mum Diana said: “We’re disgusted.”
CHRISTOPHER Biggins was given three warnings before being kicked off Celebrity Big Brother, it has been revealed.
The star was axed by Channel 5 bosses after a series of “offensive” outbursts – including one said to be about the Holocaust.
Another targeted bisexuals, while a third was about AIDS.
And last night the mum of his reality TV co-star Katie Waissel insisted: “If his comments are as bad as we’re led to believe, they constitute a hate crime – police should be called in to investigate.”
Distraught Diana added: “Our whole family have a proud Jewish heritage and are absolutely disgusted by Biggins.
“But he’s not just hurt my daughter. It sounds like he’s said things offensive to most Jews.
“He was a national treasure but now he’s not fit for TV. He should be banned – he’s a liability.”
Diana said of her X Factor star daughter: “I’ve been in tears. I just wish I could give her a big hug to comfort her.”
LAWYERS
The remarks by panto king Biggins were cut from the final edit of the show last night after lawyers were called in for last minute crisis talks.
Diana added: “He made another offensive comment relating to AIDS and has also offended the bisexual community. When will he learn?”
Biggins, 67, is thought to have made anti-Jewish remarks about the Holocaust to Katie, 30, while stunned housemates looked on.
The singer’s great grandparents were held in the Nazi concentration camp at Auschwitz in Poland – and she feels so strongly about her faith she has a Star of David, a Jewish symbol, tattooed on her ankle.
Channel 5 bosses made the decision to axe Biggins on Friday after talks with makers Endemol Shine.
Days earlier the TV favourite, in a civil partnership since 2006, suggested some people were only gay because it was “trendy”.
He went on to tell US reality star Renee Graziano, 48: “I think the worst type though is the bisexuals. It is people not wanting to admit they’re gay.”
Biggins was said to be “in pieces” and deeply apologetic after being kicked out of the house in Elstree, Hertfordshire.
The star, winner of ITV’s I’m A Celebrity in 2007, was given his first warning at the start of the week, and was called to the Diary Room following a chat with Katie.
But the final straw related to a comment he made on Friday about AIDS. Salon receptionist Diana, 61, said: “He should be ashamed of himself. “I felt something was going on. Then on Friday night my son-inlaw saw it all over the internet. We’re all disgusted. “Katie’s brother James got in touch on holiday in Mexico and my husband Maurice is just as upset as I am. We’re so glad Big Brother got rid of him.” Welling up with emotion, Diana added: “Katie’s great grandparents, Sidney and Katie, were in Auschwitz in the Holocaust.
“They survived, but what went on there is incomprehensible.
“Katie went to Poland when she was 17. It was a really moving trip for her, as it is for most people. For Biggins to insult Jewish people beggars belief.”
Diana revealed Katie had been looking forward to being in the house with the theatre favourite. She said: “She told me, ‘He’ll be such a laugh.’ He was one of the ones she was most excited about.”
Channel 5 said of their decision to axe Biggins on Day 9 of the show: “Big Brother does not tolerate language capable of causing widespread offence.”
But PR guru Mark Borkowskisaid getting the boot will do nothing to harm Biggins’ career.
He said: “He has a powerful reputation in the theatre and is respected. People will forgive.”