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Complaints regarding racist comments on Celebrity Big Brother about Indian actress Shilpa Shetty have sprialled over the past few hours.
After receiving nearly 2,000 complaints overnight, the regulator has now received 3,500, with broadcasters Channel 4 having also received 1,000 complaints via email and telephone.
This morning, a spokesman for the programme said that the social interactions and dynamics of the group were integral to the Big Brother story and viewers had a right to see them.
"We take this matter very seriously and Big Brother does not tolerate bullying or racist abuse in any form. Big Brother is closely monitoring all the housemates and will take appropriate measures to reprimand such behaviour where necessary," they added.
The Campaign for Racial Equality has also made a statement saying that action can only be taken when the victim of racism makes a complaint themselves.
But since then there has been a media frenzy around the story, with Channel 4 telling Sky News that "Shetty hasn't asked to leave and hasn't made any requests to leave."
DS forums are hotly discussing the issue, with the view of many that Channel 4 producers should have intervened.
Elsewhere Jade Goody has been dumped as patron of an anti-bullying charity she previously donated to, after it was swamped with protests.
Continuing coverage over on DS:BB
