'Big Brother' Contestants Threaten Walkout

L O S   A N G E L E S, Sept. 10, 2000 -- Rebellion was afoot Saturday in the Big

Brother house.

The reality show’s six remaining contestants threatened to marchout of the camera-filled house in which they’ve been sequesteredsince July, forgoing their shot at the $500,000 prize in what theycalled a blow against avarice.

“Some things in life are more important than money,” onecontestant said.

‘Sane’ Society

“Society is now sane, or we’ve proven it can be sane. Itdoesn’t have to be that downward spiral of greed,” said another.

The plot to walk out on Wednesday’s live show, when the nexthousemate was scheduled to be ousted, was made public on the CBSshow’s companion Webcast. Some players expressed doubt that allwould follow through on the pact.

Big Brother was scheduled to end Sept. 30 with one grandprize winner, the person who survived ouster votes by fellowplayers and TV viewers. The show began with 10 contestants.

A CBS spokeswoman suggested the players might have a differentmotive.

“They think that they’re all going to win money if they leavetogether. ... They definitely would not,” said CBS’ Diane Ekeblad.

The contestants’ conversations broadcast live on the Internet,however, didn’t indicate they were expecting payment.

“They (CBS) will capitalize on it (the walkout),” one playersaid. “I’m OK with walking away from this with nothing, justmemories.”

George The Schemer

The scheme was suggested by contestant George, a 41-year-oldIllinois roofing contractor.

The series, which airs six nights a week, was scheduled to seeeither Eddie, Curtis or Cassandra—the three players marked forbanishment—voted out Wednesday. Other remaining players are Joshand Jamie.

“We’re watching it unfold as anybody on the Internet iswatching it unfold,” Ekeblad said. CBS’ response “all depends onwhat happens. There’s no way to know what steps will be taken sincewe don’t know what they’re going to do.”

“The rule always has been anybody is free to leavevoluntarily,” she said.

The revolt is yet another reason for CBS to regret BigBrother. The show, which critics blasted as cheap voyeurism, hasbeen far from the hit the network enjoyed with its other summerreality series, the island competition Survivor.

American reaction to Big Brother has been vastly differentthan in Europe, where versions of the show proved hits in Holland,Spain and Germany.

In an effort to juice up the often-dull proceedings within thehouse built on a CBS parking lot, the producers have triedtinkering with the formula — which has annoyed contestants andviewers.

On Wednesday, an effort was made to lure a player out of thehouse with a $50,000 incentive so a new contestant, an attractive,opinionated young blonde, could be brought in. None of the sixwould agree to leave.

“Congratulations on your resolve,” series host Julie Chen toldthem in a disappointed voice.