Big Brother Naija (BBN) Season 11 housemate Whitney “Nomy” Chukwu has been disqualified from the reality TV show after refusing to accept the Bench Warmer punishment for week seven. The Bench Warmer is a punishment given to the least participating housemate in the Head of House challenge.
After the HOH task, Big Brother directed Nomy to pick up the vest and bench to be used throughout the week by the Bench Warmer, but she bluntly refused. “Nomy, you are the bench warmer, so Big Brother is curious why you left your vest and bench behind. What is your intention? Nomy, kindly answer the question,” he asked.
Nomy said she had no premeditated intentions and hadn't thought about why she left the vest and bench behind. “Last week you were reminded that participation is a privilege and effective immediately, your privilege is hereby revoked,” Big Brother said. He gave Nomy 30 minutes to leave the house.
Big Brother had previously issued Nomy a strike and several warnings after she flouted some of the rules. She is the ninth housemate to leave the Big Brother house, as seven housemates were evicted while one took a voluntary exit.
The winners: the remaining housemates, who have one less competitor; and MultiChoice, which continues to dominate Nigerian television. The losers: Nomy, who has been disqualified; and her fans, who have lost a favourite.
Bottom Line: Big Brother has revoked Nomy’s privilege. She refused the Bench Warmer punishment. The show goes on. The question is whether her disqualification will warn other housemates.