The elimination of two women of colour has reignited claims of “unconscious bias” from the BBC show’s fandom
The new series of the Claudia Winkleman-led game show The Traitors has found itself at the centre of a “racism” row with its viewers.
Complaints have rained in from parts of the show’s fandom following the eliminations of two women of colour just a handful of episodes into the new season.
Netty, a 42-year-old nursery school teacher from Glasgow, was the first contestant to leave the show after being ‘murdered’ by the Traitors.
She was soon followed by 60-year-old child liaison officer Judy, who was overwhelmingly voted off by her co-stars at the first roundtable of the series after being suspected of being a Traitor.
BBC The Traitors: Judy was the first contestant banished
Both women were Faithfuls, although Judy was only able to reveal her status once she’d been banished by her fellow contestants.
The exits, while rued by their fellow Faithfuls in the iconic castle, have also caused unrest among viewers who’ve suggested it’s evidence of “unconscious bias” among the cast.
In particular, many pointed out that Sam, a white man, appeared to lead the charge in suspecting Judy as a Traitor.
On Reddit, hundreds of viewers flocked to a thread titled “Racial bias?” to lodge their thoughts and perceptions of the show.
BBC The Traitors: Judy and Netty were the first two to leave this series
One viewer penned: “The unconscious bias is always SO loud and I’m surprised they don’t coach the group on that ahead of filming.
“It’s always ‘I just don’t trust him/her’ or ‘I just have a gut feeling’ yes hmmmm I wonder what you mean by that! So freaking disappointing, year after year.” (sic)
A second added: “I will say that, in fairness, Ross has just been stitched up by the circumstance of knowing someone else in the game and this would probably always get heat. But they’re always on black women’s necks in this game.”
Elsewhere, a third suggested the issue ran deeper than the BBC show: “This is not just a traitors thing, any and all British reality shows go this way, especially in the early stages before contestants get to know each other (or public gets to know them). It’s depressing.” (sic)
BBC The Traitors: Netty was admittedly gutted to be the first star murdered
“I’ve noticed this through the series too. POC [people of colour] always go first on this show. How more people haven’t noticed baffles me,” a fourth echoed.
And a fifth claimed: “It’s ALL British reality shows. The minority’s get voted off or removed so quickly. Doesn’t matter what channel, it ALWAYS happens.”
A sixth similarly agreed: “100%. They immediately suspect POC, especially women, it’s kinda blatant tbh.” (sic)
Complaints of a similar nature also dominated the conversation on X, including from some familiar faces.
BBC The Traitors: Narinder Kaur led the allegations of ‘racism’ from the show’s viewers
Broadcaster and Jeremy Vine regular Narinder Kaur was one particularly vocal viewer, arguing: “Another reality TV series #TraitorsUK where black contestants are voted off first! The racism is glaringly obvious, and it’s astounding ppl keep gaslighting us that it’s just a damn coincidence!”
She added: “It’s astounding that the media aren’t discussing the racism on the Traitors! (And reality TV shows in general in the UK). Even worse if you’re a WOC and happen to be clever, outspoken and confident – you’re obviously traitors. No other explanation. Doesn’t matter if they said exactly the same words as a white man!!!” (sic)
However, other social media users were keen to point out that other contestants of colour also tipped Judy and Netty as being possible Traitors.
“You do realise Netty and Ross, both POC voted for Judy, another POC,” one X user replied to Ms Kaur.
BBC The Traitors: Claudia Winkleman fronts the series
And a second argued: “Nettie was murdered to try and blame Ross quite clearly and Judy was the one acting most suspicious out of everyone, jesus f***ing wept.” (sic)
Elsewhere, a third also pointed out that viewers are in the dark about the Secret Traitor’s identity, suggesting the guesses are fair game. “But we don’t know the gender or ethnicity of the secret traitor compiling the murder shortlist is do we?” they said.
In The Traitors: Uncloaked, both Judy and Netty addressed their respective exits, and neither suggested unconscious bias played a part.
In fact, Netty took responsibility for voicing her own suspicions of Judy prior to her murder on the show.
BBC The Traitors: Sam was accused of leading the calls to banish Judy
Upon learning Judy was a Faithful after the two met behind the scenes, Netty told Judy, “I feel like that was me,” and that she was “sorry” for the role she played in the 60-year-old’s banishment.
Judy graciously told Netty she needn’t apologise and that her banishment was all part of the gameplay.
GB News has contacted representatives of The Traitors for comment on the claims.