THE Apprentice’s Lottie Lion and Jemelin Artigas have clashed over the show’s race row.
Librarian Lottie was yesterday told language she had used in a WhatsApp chat was "wholly unacceptable" by the BBC in a statement – and her co-star laid into her on Twitter, too.
Andtoday, she got into a bitter Twitter exchange with co-star Jemelin over the accusation Lottie had been ‘let off’ for the comment by the BBC.
The fight kicked off when Lottie logged into Twitter to tell her followers about tonight's show, saying: “During this week on the Oxford/ Cambridge hunt, there is an embarrassing blunder- I am the only candidate of 12 who knew when WW2 was. This isn’t a brag, but an important reminder to educate your children on the heritage of your country.”
But a furious Jemelin hit back: “Also very important to teach your kids about racial equality and how to be a kind human being a lot more important than this.”
Lottie replied: “This is between the BBC & myself, as fore-mentioned. Released today I have been “let off”, maybe you should consider why? I have been unfairly portrayed in the media and I won’t allow you to bring me down. The public will soon see how “well” you did. I wish you the best.”
But Jemelin wasn’t happy, telling her co-star: “Please darling truth will always come out ! So bare that in mind ! you started this so no need for wishes that are not meaningful”.
Lottie insisted she was being genuine, saying: “Jem, I really do wish you the best. I think you’re an astute business woman, feisty with a lot of ability, you have my full respect. The truth has come out, I think it’s time you realised you’ll get further in life by focusing on bettering your own rather than damaging other’s.”
But Jemelin had the last word, replying: “No one is damaging others I am a true believer of justice you can lie to yourself but you can’t lie to the rest of the world and the 14 witnesses that know the truth, so like I said truth always rise above no matter what that’s all I have to say.”
TV bosses originally launched an investigation into Lottie after she told contestant Lubna Farhan to “shut up Gandhi” and “I’ll f*** you up”.
Alongside the WhatsApp messages, it's claimed she also said that the area of Somerset she is from has a low crime rate "because not many black people live there".
She is also said to have regularly referred to Ryan-Mark Parsons, 19, as "the short gay one" and Riyonn Farsad, 30, as "the tall gay one".
Lottie is also accused of making derogatory comments about trans women, saying they would not be allowed into the "ladies club" she belongs to.
It's also claimed she told fellow contestants she had never spoken to black person before going on the show.
Four contestants on the show made complaints – but yesterday, the BBC left them outraged when they ‘let Lottie off’, with a BBC spokeswoman saying: “While this happened on a private messenger service once filming had concluded, the BBC nevertheless still expects the candidates to behave appropriately. The production company have looked into the issue and reported back, Lottie has been informed that her comments were wholly unacceptable and is in no doubt about our view on this.”
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