Shilpa Shetty: "I am a Victim of Racism"  1/18/07

Bollywood star Shilpa Shetty fears she is the victim of racism on British reality TV show Celebrity Big Brother.

The program has sparked a diplomatic row between Britain and India over allegations Shetty has been subjected to a torrent of racial abuse on the show.

And the star herself has confided to another contestant she feels victimised for the colour of her skin and her upbringing.

Britain's media watchdog Ofcom has received more than 20,000 complaints since fellow housemates Jade Goody, pop star Jo O'Meara and model Danielle Lloyd began ridiculing the glamorous actress for the way she eats, looks and speaks.

In a recent argument, Goody screamed at Shetty, "Go back to the slums and find out what real life is like, lady. You are not some princess in f**king Neverland. You need a day in the slums ... f**king go in your community."

In Patna, India, effigies of the trio were being burnt as protesters gathered on the street condemning what they see as racism.

British chancellor Gordon Brown, who is currently visiting India, has also entered into the debate. He says, "I want Britain to be seen as a country of fairness and tolerance. Anything detracting from this I condemn."

However, a spokesman for the program claimed it was a "cultural and class clash" and not racism, saying, "To date there has been no overt racial abuse or racist behavior directed against Shilpa Shetty.

"Unambiguous racist behavior and language is not tolerated in the house. We are monitoring extremely carefully but we have not seen a reason to interfere at the moment."