JoJo Siwa has revealed the truth behind the secret message she wrote to Chris Hughes that resulted in a Celebrity Big Brother rule break – but many fans are questioning the network’s decision to air it.
The pair have sparked an unexpected friendship, which began when Chris rushed to comfort JoJo after homophobic comments made by Mickey Rourke.
The pair have since become inseparable, sharing many cuddly moments and late-night whisper sessions.
Popstar JoJo, 21, was lying on the floor next to Love Island star Chris’ bed, and traced something on his hand with her finger.
‘It makes sense, just think about it,’ she whispered to him before the 32-year-old momentarily hid his face behind his hands and turned over to go to sleep.
On Tuesday night’s episode, Big Brother called out the pair for breaking the house rules (which dictate contestants must not communicate via written messages) and punished them by making them speak exclusively through mega phones.
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While defending herself to the other housemates, JoJo said the message wasn’t about nominations, but was in reference to ‘her sexuality.’
Later, in the diary room, JoJo shared a vulnerable revelation about the truth behind the secret message, revealing that she was discussing her gender identity with Chris in the late-night convo.
She said in response to Big Brother’s inquiry: ‘It’s something that I’m not ready necessarily to be open about or upfront about but it has to do with gender and how do I feel.’
She continued: ‘Let’s put it this way. Oh my God, this is a lot. Essentially, you have female, you have male. I’ve met a lot of females and love them but don’t feel like I’m them. Met a lot of males, love them but definitely not them.’
She then clarified that she suspects she may identify as non-binary.
She said: ‘I’ve met a lot of people in my life that are non-binary and these beautiful non-binary people are who I feel the most like. It’s not something that I want to say about myself yet but it’s something that is confusing. So, that’s probably why we were talking about it last night.’
Big Brother replied: ‘JoJo, thank you for being so honest and sharing with Big Brother.’
(Picture: Vianney Le Caer/Shutterstock for)
‘Of course. It’s important to be honest and I think it’s important to show that it’s ok to not know,’ JoJo added before Chris affectionately said: ‘That was good. Good job.’
Fans have been quick to show their support for JoJo, with @ExquisiteAlts
writing on X: ‘Fair play to JoJo for discussing a sensitive topic like this on reality TV. That took some bravery.’
@JAli89_91 posted: ‘I hope she will be ok with this being aired bless her.’
@idkdeclan wrote: ‘We all thought she was telling chris she’s bi because she likes him but she was telling him she’s non binary… slay? #CBB #CBBUK’
Other fans have questioned ITV’s decision to air the diary room moment, given that JoJo specifically said she wasn’t sure she was ready to talk about it.
@grxndesenigma wrote: ‘I seriously hope you all got jojo’s permission to air that!’
@user53587 posted: ‘The way Big Brother just forced her to come out the closet.’
@LoveSoapsntv agreed: ‘This should not have been forced out of her, good on Chris for trying to protect her.’
@prizzeefishee wrote: ‘Posting this like JoJo didn’t literally say she isn’t ready to talk about it…’
@elles468 wrote: ‘Rlly don’t think this should’ve been aired if she wasn’t ready.’
Earlier in the episode, Big Brother ordered Chris and JoJo to stand up, telling the house: ‘This is Big Brother. Before you entered the house, the rules regarding attempting to communicate in code or write messages were clearly explained to you.
‘Today, that rule was broken. At 1:59am in the bedroom, JoJo wrote messages on Chris’ hand in secret. Chris gave JoJo his hand and said, “You can write it out”. JoJo then wrote on Chris’ hand and said, “It makes sense, think about it”.’
‘I solemnly swear, put my hand on a bible, it had nothing to do with nominations,’ JoJo claimed.
But Big Brother punished them, saying: ‘Chris, JoJo, you have broken a fundamental rule of the Big Brother house and you will be punished. You have communicated in secret so from now on your conversations will be anything but…
‘JoJo, Chris, until further notice you are only permitted to speak through a megaphone for all to hear.’
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