Australian Big Brother Under Fire  5/26/07

The Australian version of TV reality show Big Brother has come under fire for refusing to tell a contestant her dad has died.

Emma Cornell's father Raymond passed away from cancer last week (ends20May07) but producers have decided not to share the news with her until she leaves the secure compound.

A spokesman for Channel Ten, which broadcasts the program, insists the controversial decision was made in accordance with her family's wishes.

But the move has angered bereavement charities, who maintain it's not the best way to deal with death.

Chris Hall, a spokesman for the Australian Centre for Grief and Bereavement, says, "I still think that one needs to weigh up the risks in terms of following a course of action that may be well-intentioned but may ultimately not serve the bereaved person well."

It's not the first time Australian Big Brother has been scrutinized. Last year (06) two male participants were kicked off the show after appearing to sexually molest a female contestant.