Jade Goody Admits Racist Comments But is "No Racist"  1/21/07

Disgraced British reality TV contestant Jade Goody has confessed to racially abusing Bollywood star Shilpa Shetty on Celebrity Big Brother - but maintains she is not a racist.

The show has created controversy in both Britain and India over allegations Shetty has been subjected to a torrent of racial abuse since entering the program's sealed compound earlier this month (JAN07).

British media watchdog Ofcom has received more than 38,000 complaints since housemates Goody, pop star Jo O'Meara and model Danielle Lloyd began ridiculing the glamorous actress for the way she eats, looks and speaks.

In Patna, India effigies of the trio have been burned as protesters gathered on the street condemning their actions.

Speaking to British newspaper News Of The World, Goody - who was evicted from the house on Friday (19JAN07) - admits, "(Shetty) was the victim of bullying and racism. I'm not going to justify my actions because they were wrong. I was shocked and disgusted at myself.

"I don't know why I said those things to her or why those words came into my head. I'm not making excuses because I know that it's wrong."

She adds, "I'm not a racist, but I accept I made racist comments. I don't see people for the colour that they are, or where they come from. I'm mixed race myself and I speak to everyone of every colour, background and nationality.

"I now know that things that I may not think are racist can actually be racist. It's my own fault for not knowing enough about other people's cultures.

I feel s**t. I hate myself right now."

Goody is donating her #50,000 ($97,500) fee for appearing on Celebrity Big Brother, as well as the #50,000 ($97,500) News Of The World would normally have paid to interview her, to charities of her and Shetty's choice.