Celebrity Big Brother: Evander Holyfield warned by producers after saying homosexuality 'ain't normal'

Celebrity Big Brother viewers are calling on producers to boot off Evander Holyfield after he said homosexuality needs to be 'fixed'
Outspoken: Evander was seen having his nails cut by handcuff partner Luisa Zissman
Staff6 January 2014

Former world heavyweight boxing champion Evander Holyfield is facing a backlash from Celebrity Big Brother viewers after saying that being gay "ain't normal".

Holyfield was given a telling off by producers for a conversation he had about the lack of openly gay sports stars, which was broadcast in last night's instalment of the Channel 5 show.

Luisa Zissman, runner-up on last year's Apprentice, was seen telling Holyfield: "I think it's really bad that no one stands up and says it in the sports industry."

Holyfield, 51, then asked her: "What would be good about it?"

Chats: Holyfield was seen having his nails cut by handcuff partner Luisa Zissman (Picture: YouTube/Channel 5)
YouTube/Channel 5

Zissman replied; "I think it's good to be open like that because it's normal", prompting Holyfield to respond: "But that ain't normal."

The American, who is a Christian, attempted to justify his comments with his religious beliefs.

Zissman, 26, said: "That's just the way some people are born." Holyfield replied: "It don't make no difference. If you're born and your leg were turned this way, what do you do? You go to a doctor and get it fixed back right."

The entrepreneur repeatedly urged the retired boxer to change the subject, telling him: "I don't think this is an appropriate conversation to have in this house."

Comments: Evander Holyfield (Picture: PA)
PA

Following the discussion, Holyfield was reprimanded by Big Brother and told people could be offended by his views.

But Holyfield appeared reluctant to apologise, saying: "It was just our conversation."

Big Brother's Bit on the Side presenter Rylan Clark voiced his 'disgust' at Holyfield's comments but later deleted his post on Twitter.

It read: "Everyone is entitled to their opinion... And as a presenter I legally remain unbiased. However what Evander just said, was disgusting."

Tweet: Big Brother's Bit on the Side presenter Rylan Clark voices his disgust at Holyfield's comments

He later wrote: "And now I've said my piece, on with the rest of the series. Each to their own x."

Viewers have reacted angrily to the broadcast on Twitter.

One wrote: "I think Evander Holyfield should be booted out of the #CBB house for his comments. Are homophobic/sexist comments not on a par with racism?"

TOWIE star Lauren Pope said: "Wow Evander Holyfield has completely gone down in my estimations, what idiotic comments to make #CBB."

Culture Club singer Boy George said: "Shame, I had such admiration for Mr Evander Holyfield, he seemed dignified and I was sure he was a cool, smart, giant!"

Meanwhile Made in Chelsea star Ollie Locke, who is the bookies' favourite to win this year's show, revealed he has never had sex with a man, despite being attracted to both men and women.

In a conversation with Luisa and Jasmine Waltz, he said he "generally wanted girlfriends" but said people tended to assume he was gay because he is "camp".

Watch the full clip below.

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