Summary
The BBC is requesting stricter background checks for contestants of "The Apprentice" after a candidate, Levi Hodgetts-Hague, was found to have posted offensive comments on social media. These posts included racist and sexist language, leading the BBC to demand a review of the vetting process carried out by the show's production company, Naked. Hodgetts-Hague has apologized for his past remarks, which have now been deleted.
Key Facts
- The BBC wants stricter background checks for "The Apprentice" contestants.
- Candidate Levi Hodgetts-Hague posted racist and sexist comments on social media.
- The offensive posts were not detected during initial social media checks.
- BBC's spokesperson said these views are "totally unacceptable."
- The production company Naked uses third-party providers for background checks.
- Hodgetts-Hague has apologized for the posts, which he said do not reflect his current values.
- A separate former contestant, Dr. Asif Munaf, was removed from the medical register for offensive social media posts.
- "The Apprentice" will start its 20th series on January 29, with 20 candidates competing.
