Law firm to probe Big Brother sex scandal

M-Net informed viewers on Monday night in a shock announcement that two housemates would be removed from the BBMzansi house, one for misconduct while another contestant was removed for her own well-being.

It is still not clear what exactly happened between the housemates. 

Rumours swirled on social media of an alleged rape that took place on Saturday night. 

According to a media statement by Mzansi Magic both contestants were debriefed by a psychologist.

Their partners Tembi (Tembela Magandela-Mthupha) and Soxx (Sokhana Ralane) were given the option to remain in the house, which they accepted, and they will now form a pair.

According to Yolisa Phahle, M-Net CEO, the broadcaster takes these matters seriously, and the wellbeing of contestants is of the utmost importance.

"It is necessary for M-Net to understand what transpired and we will take necessary action, if required, once the investigation is concluded,"  Phahle said in a statement.

Endemol Shine Africa, the production company responsible for Big Brother, has offered their full co-operation with the investigation.

This is also not the first time that a rape controversy has hit a locally produced version of Big Brother.

In 2007 The Week reported that a similar incident took place in the Big Brother Africa 2 house in South Africa.

"The sight of a blind-drunk young woman being manhandled by a Big Brother housemate in what may be the most public rape ever has turned the stomachs of millions of television viewers," The Week reported in 2007.

According to the report the previous incident was broadcast live across Africa, however M-Net was quick to respond saying if a "non-consensual physical relationship" began, the producers - Endemol SA - would have intervened.

In 2012 Brazilian police investigated similar allegations of sexual assault aired on the country's Big Brother reality TV show. Echaniz, a 31-year-old male model, was booted off the show after allegations emerged that he had engaged in sexual behaviour with contestant Monique Amin after she'd passed out.