On tonight’s episode of Big Brother, Farida questioned Hallie about her gender identity, but several viewers felt it was inappropriate.
Hallie, the youngest competitor to join the historic house at the age of 18, previously made the daring step of addressing a personal matter.
She began: ‘Hey, guys. I just have something to say. Yesterday I felt like I wasn’t being 100% authentic in myself.
‘I thought I’d let everyone know I’m trans if you didn’t know already. I just thought I’d make that loud and clear. I’m a trans woman if you didn’t know.’
Her housemates praised her for opening up and she has embraced all of their queries.
Farida, 50, decided to ask Hallie if the individuals who liked her were homosexual. Hallie gently answered, explaining that because she is a woman, the men cannot be gay.
She subsequently discussed the conversation with another flatmate Zak, at which point Farida came over.
‘I didn’t take it to offence don’t worry,’ Hallie told her.
‘I just know that people ask questions and they don’t mean offence by it. They just want to know. They just don’t know how to word it correctly.’
The scenario sparked considerable discussion on social media, with many individuals turning to X, previously Twitter, to offer their thoughts.
‘I definitely understand Hallie’s annoyance at Farida’s questions. She handled the whole situation very well. #BBUK,’ wrote one person.
Another added: ‘Farida those questions to Hallie were so direct and personal. It’s like going up to someone asking “Are you gay?” her questions were way too personal to ask out loud like that. I don’t think she is very aware in how she behaves #bbuk.’
Another viewer sympathised with Hallie: ‘Farida’s coming at this well-intentioned but imagine being Hallie and having to chat about all this first thing in the morning confined to a bed #BBUK.’
‘Does Farida not understand Hallie is a woman, I dunno I feel this questions are a bit wild tbh,’ remarked one viewer.
Farida’s coming at this well intentioned but imagine being Hallie and having to chat about all this first thing in the morning confined to a bed #BBUK pic.twitter.com/qHVOVrUSrQ
— Harrison Brocklehurst (@harrisonjbrock) October 10, 2023
I definitely understand Hallie's annoyance at Farida's questions. She handled the whole situation very well. 👏💕💕 #BBUK
— Siobhan 🇬🇬 (@slinehan1) October 10, 2023
Farida those questions to Hallie were so direct and personal. It's like going up to someone asking "Are you gay?" her questions were way too personal to ask out loud like that. I don't think she is very aware in how she behaves #bbuk
— Roger 🌻 (@rogernook) October 10, 2023
Others emphasised the significance of these discussions going place.
‘It’s so important to remember that so many people don’t have experience of other cultures, communities or backgrounds,’ they began.
‘What may sound ignorant is just someone not sure how to word their inquisitiveness. Conversation is so important — its so nice to see both sides of it on #BBUK.’
It’s so important to remember that so many people don’t have experience of other cultures, communities or backgrounds. What may sound ignorant is just someone not sure how to word their inquisitiveness. Conversation is so important — its so nice to see both sides of it on #BBUK
— bally singh (@putasinghonit) October 10, 2023
so much respect to hallie for having a mature convo with farida and not go off at someone who’s trying to learn but saying the wrong thing #bbuk pic.twitter.com/ortCFGjXC3
— amber 🦋🚫 (@iguessikstuff) October 10, 2023
I don’t think Farida meant to be offensive, but at the same time though Hallie said she’s happy to answer any questions, she is still allowed to be frustrated #BBUK
— Blessing 🦋👩🏾💻 (@_BlessingMarie) October 10, 2023
Another person praised Hallie’s mature response: ‘So much respect to Hallie for having a mature convo with Farida and not go off at someone who’s trying to learn but saying the wrong thing.’
‘I don’t think Farida meant to be offensive, but at the same time though Hallie said she’s happy to answer any questions, she is still allowed to be frustrated,’ penned one person.
Big Brother continues tomorrow at 9pm on ITV2 and ITVX.