Broadcaster Channel Five is copping social media backlash after broadcasting footage of David Bowie’s ex-wife Angie Bowie being told of the death of her former husband. Angie Bowie was married to David Bowie (1970-1980), the couple had one child.
British media regulator Ofcom has received several complaint about the footage shown during the Celebrity Big Brother program, as well as the promo before the episode.
A spokesperson for Channel Five said “Angie Bowie was told off-camera about the tragic death of David Bowie by her agent. She then took the decision to remain in the house of her own accord. Last night’s preview of the upcoming programme included footage of Angie in the diary room after she had heard the news about her ex-husband.”
https://youtu.be/nFvsLyHjKzg
Angie’s manager Ray Santilli said: “She had plenty of time to consider her position. She made the decision to go back in the house, she made the decision to be interviewed afterwards.”
“Obviously when Big Brother was talking to her and asking questions, it is emotional. The whole Big Brother experience is emotional and she knew that before she went in to the house. Channel 5 have been magnificent. They’ve left it entirely up to her to make the decision. She had no pressure.”
Twitter criticised Big Brother for taking advantage of her grief:
The way #cbb channel 5 have handled Bowie’s death is below disrespectful.
— Sam McKnight (@sammcknight1) January 12, 2016
I absolutely love #CBB but this #CBB2016 is painful to watch I don’t know if they should’ve televised this stuff, seems insensitive to Bowie
— Idlewriter (@Idlewriter) January 12, 2016
Big Brother is a distasteful programme for showing the Angie Bowie reaction to being told about David. Pathetic, just for some ratings. #CBB
— Chris (@ChrisW93_) January 12, 2016
So despicable that CBB showed Angie Bowie’s reaction to her ex-husband’s death even if she was told off camera. It should have been private.
— Adrienne (@adriennerennie) January 12, 2016
Still can’t believe C5 – even C5 – did a “Coming up tomorrow, David Bowie’s ex-wife weeps in the diary room at the news of his death.” #CBB
— Ian Hyland (@HylandIan) January 11, 2016
Low blow from #CBB to show Angie Bowie’s reaction despite saying she was told off-camera.. Literally no one needed to see that
— Ellie (@eleanorrrrrrrr_) January 12, 2016
Screw #CBB for showing Angela Bowie’s ‘reaction’ to Bowie’s death. So distasteful and disrespectful. Why is that entertainment?
— Rowena (@Row_96) January 12, 2016
Ofcom said it would assess the complaints before deciding whether to launch an investigation.
