BBC responds to The Apprentice star Shazia Hussain’s racial abuse allegations

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The BBC responded after reports that The Apprentice star Shazia Hussain had been racially abused by another contestant.

Hussain is on the BBC One show’s current series, although a new report claims an investigation has been launched after Hussain filed a complaint to show producers the racial abuse he received.

According to the MailOnline, Hussain was left devastated by the alleged incident, which was apparently filmed but the BBC did not broadcast.

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In response to the claims, the BBC said in a statement: “The Apprentice has zero tolerance for racist bullying. The duty of care and well-being of all applicants is of the utmost importance. and when action is needed, we take it.

“All candidates subscribe to a strict code of conduct and if there was evidence of racist bullying, candidates would be immediately removed from the process. We take all complaints very seriously.”

Meanwhile, show star Khadeejah Khan spoke last month about the importance of representation on The Apprentice, as she is the first receptionist to wear a hijab on the show.

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“This year I had the most amazing opportunity to be part of @apprenticeuk as Lord Sugar’s receptionist,” she wrote on Instagram, before noting that being on the show “sends a powerful message” to young girls and also encourages them to embrace their identity.

“Being the very first hijabi receptionist on such a mainstream show sends a powerful message to everyone that anything is possible. I hope this gives young girls looking to enter any industry the courage to believe in them and to proudly embrace their identity – it makes you who you are.”

The Apprentice airs on BBC One, with a spin-off series You’re Fired airing immediately afterwards on BBC Two.

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