A contestant on the British version of Big Brother has been expelled from the house by the shows producers and Channel 4 for using a racial epithet. Sources say that the contestant used the n-word on the air which caused his expulsion.

The producers were quick to act after the incident partly due to the fact that a previous season of Celebrity Big Brother had a racial incident as well. Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty was the victim of a racial tirade and has spoken out in favor of the recent ousting.

Will this incident have an effect on the American version of Big Brother? In the past, houseguests have been expelled for exhibiting dangerous behavior but none have ever been punished for things they have said. In fact, insults and threats seem to fly quite freely in the BB house almost every season.