Evander Holyfield Warned over Homophobic Remarks on Celebrity Big Brother

   

Evander Holyfield has been scolded for saying homosexuality can be "fixed" on the UK edition of Celebrity Big Brother.

The former undisputed heavyweight world champion boxer also claimed being gay is a disability during a conversation with The Apprentice runner-up Luisa Zissman, as Martin Domin of the Daily Mail reported:

She said: "I think it’s really bad that no-one stands up and says it in the sporting industries. I think it’s good to be open about that because it’s normal."

But Holyfield replied: "What would be good about it? That ain't normal. ... It is a choice, come on, that ain't the way nobody is made.

"If you were born and your leg were turned this way, what do you do, you go to the doctor and get it fixed back right."

Holyfield was called to the diary room and given a warning after Big Brother—the authority on the show—suggested his view will be "extremely offensive to many people." The 51-year-old was reminded of the show's code of conduct but contested he "was just telling her my opinion."

This is not the first time a Celebrity Big Brother contestant has provoked an angry response by making a controversial statement.

Former Manchester United manager Ron Atkinson received major criticism during the August 2013 series for a similar incident. The 74-year-old's alleged racist remarks, according to John Drayton of the Daily Mail, caused public outcry over a show that often creates headlines by putting notoriously contentious celebrities together.

Many viewers expressing their opinion on Twitter reacted angrily to Holyfield's assertion and have called for the boxing legend to be kicked off the show.

Leading the charge is Daily Mirror columnist Ian Hyland, who believes Channel 5 doesn't have the guts to remove arguably the show's most well-known name from the lineup:

Rob Leigh of the same publication presumes Holyfield could be expelled from the house in the coming days. Big Brother's verbal warning is likely to be his only punishment—unless the American star repeats his offense or continues to advocate unpopular views.

Genesis 19

King James Version (KJV)

19 And there came two angels to Sodom at even; and Lot sat in the gate of Sodom: and Lot seeing them rose up to meet them; and he bowed himself with his face toward the ground;

² And he said, Behold now, my lords, turn in, I pray you, into your servant's house, and tarry all night, and wash your feet, and ye shall rise up early, and go on your ways. And they said, Nay; but we will abide in the street all night.

³ And he pressed upon them greatly; and they turned in unto him, and entered into his house; and he made them a feast, and did bake unleavened bread, and they did eat.

⁴ But before they lay down, the men of the city, even the men of Sodom, compassed the house round, both old and young, all the people from every quarter:

⁵ And they called unto Lot, and said unto him, Where are the men which came in to thee this night? bring them out unto us, that we may know them.

⁶ And Lot went out at the door unto them, and shut the door after him,

⁷ And said, I pray you, brethren, do not so wickedly.

⁸ Behold now, I have two daughters which have not known man; let me, I pray you, bring them out unto you, and do ye to them as is good in your eyes: only unto these men do nothing; for therefore came they under the shadow of my roof.

⁹ And they said, Stand back. And they said again, This one fellow came in to sojourn, and he will needs be a judge: now will we deal worse with thee, than with them. And they pressed sore upon the man, even Lot, and came near to break the door.

¹⁰ But the men put forth their hand, and pulled Lot into the house to them, and shut to the door.

2 Peter 2:6  And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly