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Celebrity Big Brother 2018: Ann Widdecombe accused of victim blaming after Weinstein discussion aired

The show launched this season with an initially all-female line-up as a nod to the 100th anniversary of women winning the right to vote

Clarisse Loughrey
Thursday 04 January 2018 04:39 EST
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Ann Widdecombe claims Harvey Weinstein sexual assault victims 'had a choice' in heated Celebrity Big Brother debate

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Former MP Ann Widdecombe has been accused of victim blaming following a discussion on Harvey Weinstein and sexual assault as part of Celebrity Big Brother.

The show launched this season with an initially all-female line-up, a "gentle nod" to the 100th anniversary of women winning the right to vote; Widdecombe joins Amanda Barrie, Ashley James, India Willoughby, Jess Impiazzi, Maggie Oliver, Malika Haqq, and Rachel Johnson.

Male celebrities will be entering the house throughout the series with the first, former Liverpool football player John Barnes, joining this Friday night (5 January). However, the show's already been hit by controversy after the housemates began discussing the allegations against the Hollywood producer.

When asked by Willoughby if she'd even been discriminated against in the casting process, Benidorm actor Barrie replied: "When it comes to Harvey Weinstein... I just think somebody should have said, 'It's not really worth it darling, I'd rather not get the part!'"

"I tend to agree - there was a choice," Widdecombe responded, later adding: "It's down to them. They had a choice."

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