 |
|
|
 News from Around the Americas | June 2007 
Big Brother Says Sorry for Mexico Flag Abuse
 News.com.au
go to original
Big Brother has apologised to Mexico after the country complained to Australia's media regulator over an on-air segment in which contestants threw goo-filled balloons at the Mexican flag as part of a game.
During the show's "Mexican Night" challenge last Friday, contestants dressed in mariachi outfits played musical chairs and ate chili con carne - a dish almost unknown in Mexico - to win points.
One of the rounds of the game showed a team protecting the Mexican flag against slime balloons thrown by a rival team.
The flag displayed the Mexican national symbol - an eagle devouring a snake on top of a cactus - in the middle but had the green, white and red colours in the wrong order.
In a letter to the Australian Communications and Media Authority and production company Endemol Southern Star, Mexico's Foreign Ministry complained about the "offensive" use of the country's flag.
"(We) demand they take adequate measures to avoid this type of incident in the future," the ministry said.
The producers of the show, Endemol Southern Star, have apologised for the segment, but said they meant well.
"Big Brother intended no offence to any person, country or institution and has apologised for any offence caused," the company said.
"Friday Night Live is themed each week and Mexican Night was designed as a tribute to Mexico and its vibrant cultural heritage."
"In addition to offering their apologies, Big Brother's producers have assured the Mexican government that something like this would never happen again."
Fan shock
On a forum on the Big Brother website, one post read: "I was in disbelief that one of the games was throwing whatever at the Mexican flag! I'm not Mexican but I found this really offensive and disrespectful."
Mexican authorities are extremely protective of national symbols and have a strict code about when, where and how to use them.
Two years ago, authorities prompted crooner Luis Miguel, one of the best-known singers in the Spanish-speaking world, to change the background of one of his albums that used a sepia-coloured flag, deeming it improper.
Another well-known singer and comedian had to pay a fine for forgetting the lyrics of the national anthem before a huge audience at a top-notch boxing match in 1989. |
| |
|
Vallarta Weddings
Tell a Friend
Site Map
Print this Page
Email Us