Big Brother 27’s Zae apologizes after on-air slur sparks backlash

Big Brother 27 got off to a great start in terms of gameplay and controversy. A physically strong and astute rookie, Zae Frederich established himself until being kicked out in Week 1. However, it was off-camera drama that solidified his place in the news, despite his keen skill flagging him as a threat. He made an ableist slur during a late-night chess game, which was captured on live feeds and swiftly denounced by supporters and advocates, leading to calls for consequences.

Zae discussed his use of the slur in his departure interview after the Blockbuster tournament on July 17. He immediately apologized in an interview with host Julie Chen Moonves, saying,

"I did not mean it like that." Having been "so involved" in the moment that he "just didn't think" before the word slipped, he stated, "I regretted it as soon as I said it."

Although his apologies touched a nerve and showed sensitivity, there is still disagreement on whether the language was unintentional or inappropriate.

The most recent instance of CBS enforcing its zero-tolerance policy was when Luke Valentine was fired for using a racial slur in Season 25. Now that Zae has left the home, attention is focused on the long-term effects: Will the public recall him as a promising rival or as someone who went too far? Will there be more responses from the network?

Big Brother 27 star Zae’s apology: Can words be enough?

When Zae Frederich used an ableist slur during a late-night chess battle, his Big Brother journey took a sudden turn for the worse, drawing criticism from viewers and endangering both his game and his future. His apology in the departure interview was a pivotal moment, as his quick eviction in Week 1 only served to intensify the damage. Given CBS's strict regulations and watchful viewers, it is still unclear if his regret will be taken seriously or if the consequences will outweigh his intentions.

A literal slip — and a swift regret

Zae abruptly uttered the "R-word" about himself while playing a peaceful game of chess with Keanu Soto. He tried to turn around right away, saying, "Damn, I shouldn't say that word," but the live feeds were already in motion. Clips of the incident went viral as viewers swiftly called him out. The wider ramifications were far from insignificant, even if he stated that the slip was caused by frustration while playing.

In his exit interview with Big Brother, Zae accepted full responsibility, saying, "Obviously, I apologize." He emphasized that it was inadvertent and the result of his intense feelings at the time.

Backlash, standards, and living up to them

Big Brother's "zero tolerance" policy has been applied aggressively in the past; in Season 25, Luke Valentine was kicked off for using a racial slur, whereas Jared Fields was simply given a warning for the same remark. This contradiction makes fans wonder if Zae will be expelled or if the apologies and eviction at the beginning of the season are enough.

According to Entertainment Weekly, he apologized and promised to improve: he "tried to correct it and move on" and "was so involved… that I just didn't think." Public opinion, however, is still split; some believe it was a mistake, while others maintain that, given the seriousness of the slur, more responsibility is required than just an apology.

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