‘I felt exposed to aggression’: The Apprentice’s Shazia Hussain claims she was ‘racially harassed’ after the show’s diversity and inclusion task over her choice of cartoon giraffe name animated
- Shazia, 40, said her problems started after naming a cartoon giraffe Yogita
- The task involved involved a diversity and inclusion theme for preschoolers
- She complained about three stars of the show and says she was not supported by the BBC
Apprentice contestant Shazia Hussain has claimed she was racially bullied during her time on the show.
Reality contestant Shazia, 40, said her problems started after she named a giraffe Yogita for a preschool cartoon during a diversity and inclusion-themed assignment.
However, she insists some people on her team struggled with the animal’s name, saying young children wouldn’t be able to pronounce it.
She told The Sun: ‘I felt exposed to aggression because of it. I think it was racist’
As her team won the task, she added, “After the episode, I feel like I was verbally abused by some of the contestants.”
Claim: Apprentice contestant Shazia Hussain, 40, claimed she was racially bullied during her time on the show
“They (the BBC) brought in a diversity specialist to speak to everyone, but I feel nothing has changed. The teams were also reorganized but I feel the bullying continued.
“I feel like I was bullied and harassed to the point that I asked to leave the house. I feel like the BBC let me down.
She added that she complained about the three candidates involved but heard nothing more, adding that she believed she was fired after the fifth task “because it was easier to get me out of the situation.”
Shazia said she believed the BBC failed in its duty of care to her.
A spokesperson for The Apprentice told the publication: “The Apprentice has a zero tolerance policy towards any type of bullying or threatening behavior.
“As soon as Shazia raised her concerns, an investigation was carried out and she received in-person support from the senior executives of the production team.
“The Apprentice has a strict code of conduct and we take all complaints very seriously and investigate where necessary.
“Therefore, when action is needed, we take it.
Speaking out: Reality contestant Shazia, 40, says her troubles started after she named a giraffe Yogita for a preschool cartoon during a diversity and inclusion-themed assignment.
“Throughout the process there is always someone to address any concerns, including five members of the production team who live in the house with the contestants during filming.
“If anyone wants to leave the house or the process, candidates are free to do so at any time.
“Since the start of the process, Shazia, along with all other applicants, has received and continues to receive extensive and ongoing support, in all aspects of wellbeing (including social media management), from the BBC and the production company.
“Duty of care to all of our candidates is our top priority and supporting candidates before, during and after is paramount.”
MailOnline has contacted The Apprentice for further comment.
Line-up: Last week, The Apprentice unveiled their all-female Final Five for the second straight year ahead of the final
In total, there will have been 12 episodes in this series.
Only two candidates can advance to the final and secure the life-changing investment in their business.
The two finalists must start a new business and pitch it to Lord Sugar for the chance to win his £250,000 investment and become his next business partner.
The all-important interview episode took place on Thursday, which means the final episode, where this year’s winner will be announced, will be on Thursday, March 23 on BBC One and BBC iPlayer at 9pm.
Who will become Lord Sugar’s next business partner? The two finalists must start a new business and pitch it to Lord Sugar for the chance to win his £250,000 investment
