“I felt exposed to aggression”: The Apprentice’s Shazia Hussain claims she was “racially bullied” after being “racially bullied” over her choice of the cartoon giraffe name following the show’s diversity and inclusion rollout
Apprenticeship candidate Shazia Hussain has claimed she was racially bullied during her time on the show.
Reality contestant Shazia, 40, said her troubles began after she named a giraffe Yogita for a preschool cartoon during a diversity and inclusion assignment.
However, she insists some people on her team struggled with the animal’s name, saying small children couldn’t pronounce it.
She told The Sun: “I felt exposed to aggression because of it. I think it was racist’
As her team won the task, she added, “After the episode, I feel like I’ve been verbally abused by some of the contestants.
Allegation: Apprenticeship candidate Shazia Hussain, 40, has claimed she was racially bullied during her time on the show
“They (the BBC) brought in a diversity specialist to speak to everyone but I feel like nothing has changed. The teams have also been reshuffled, but I have a feeling the bullying is continuing.
“I feel so bullied and harassed that I asked to leave the house. I feel like the BBC let me down.
She added that she had complained about the three contestants involved but hadn’t heard back, adding that she thought she was fired after the fifth task “because it was easier to get me out of the situation.” .
Shazia said she believed the BBC had failed in its duty of care.
A spokesman for The Apprentice told the publication: “The Apprentice has a zero tolerance policy towards any form of bullying or threatening behavior.
“As soon as Shazia raised concerns, an investigation was launched and she received personal support from senior members of the production team.
“The trainee has a strict code of conduct and we take all complaints very seriously and investigate them where necessary.
“That is why we take action when there is a need for action.
Speaking of which, reality contestant Shazia, 40, said her troubles began after she named a giraffe Yogita for a preschool cartoon during an assignment on a diversity and inclusion theme.
“Throughout the process, there is always someone on hand to take care of any concerns, including five members of the production team who live with the candidates at the house during filming.
“If someone wants to leave the house or the process, candidates are free to do so at any time.
“From the start of the process, Shazia has been, and continues to be, offered, along with all the other candidates, full and ongoing support in all aspects of welfare (including social media management) from the BBC and the production company.
“Duty of care for all of our candidates is our highest priority and the support offered to candidates before, during and after the exam is paramount.”
Web has contacted The Apprentice for further comments.
Line-up: Last week, ahead of the finals, The Apprentice introduced their all-female Final Five for the second straight year
There will be 12 episodes in total in this series.
Only two candidates can make it to the finals and secure the life-changing investment in their business.
The two finalists must start a new business and propose it to Lord Sugar to win his £250,000 investment and become his next business partner.
The all-important episode of the interview took place on Thursday, meaning the final episode to announce this year’s winner will be available on Thursday 23 March at 9pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
Who will be Lord Sugar’s next business partner? The two finalists must start a new business and propose it to Lord Sugar to win his £250,000 investment