Big Brother 27: Mickey Lee shares the story behind her ‘T’Kor Hat’ mix-up

Mickey from Big Brother 27 | Image via Instagram/ @themickeyclee
Mickey from Big Brother 27 | Image via Instagram/ @themickeyclee

Beyond the dramatic nominations and cunning gaming, houseguest Mickey Lee—and her notorious "T'Kor hat" provided one of Big Brother 27's most humorous yet unforgettable moments. In a casual conversation, Mickey asserted that her crocheted bucket hat was once owned by Season 26 competitor T'Kor Clottey. Rachel described the fun moment as "cute."

But eagle-eyed fans disproved the "T'Kor Couture" claim by comparing the hat to a similar design that was offered on Shein. The BB detectives and social media sleuths didn't let it go. As viewers discussed branding, authenticity, and ridiculous on-screen styling, this fashion faux pas came to be known as "Hatgate" and became a humorous cultural talking point.

Though it didn't change the course of the game, Mickey's confusion encapsulated the essence of how even minor details can provoke discussion among Big Brother 27 viewers. It also demonstrates the surprising ways in which fusing personal style with reality TV branding can work, particularly when viewers are paying careful attention.


The story behind Big Brother 27's Kat's “T’Kor Hat” incident

When Big Brother 27 star Mickey Lee claimed that T'Kor Clottey was the source of her bucket hat, an apparently innocuous fashion statement went viral. However, fans later found that Shein marketed a nearly identical replica of the same item. Due to reality TV fans' attention to detail, the reveal generated lively debate on social media and humorous drama. Let's examine the events that led to the "T'Kor hat" becoming one of the season's most iconic moments.


From T’Kor couture to Shein reveal

Mickey proudly showed off the crocheted bucket hat, telling Big Brother star Rachel and the cameras that it was created by T'Kor, a previous contestant. The amusing house scene highlighted Mickey's Atlanta heritage and sense of style. “That’s a T’Kor hat!” Rachel even said, adding to the atmosphere.

But as soon as the episode aired, viewers realized that the hat looked a lot like a popular Shein design. Comparisons were made, refuting the attribution and causing some embarrassment as well as laughter at the confusion. Because BB aficionados are known to be astute, they had already discovered the hat's real origin.

Despite being amusing, this minor branding error led to "Hatgate", a season-long joke that demonstrates how closely fans examine on-screen attire.


Why it resonated with fans

The hat incident was noteworthy because it demonstrated that supporters pay attention to both the game and the visual nuances. The hat provided humor and served as a reminder to viewers of the cast members' humanity during a season full of treachery, comp wins, and tactical changes.

It also illustrates how clothing decisions can occasionally overwhelm strategic gameplay by becoming a part of home narratives. Fans found a "T'Kor hat" to be a hilarious scandal that combined comedy relief, harmless fabrication, and misdirection in equal measure.

It demonstrated that Big Brother 27 culture is more than simply backstabbing, and that it can occasionally thrive in the little, unexpected moments, whether it be through a shady alliance or an incorrectly ascribed accessory.


Watch Big Brother 27 on CBS.

Edited by Gouri Maheshwari