Ex-‘Big Brother’ Houseguest Luke Valentine Disagrees With Ejection, Says He Used N-Word After ‘Malnutrition’ and ‘Sleep Deprivation’

variety.com:

Emily Longeretta Luke Valentine, the “Big Brother” Season 25 houseguest who was ejected on Aug. 9 for using the N-word, is sharing his thoughts on CBS’ decision to send him home.

In an Instagram Live video posted on Wednesday, the illustrator weighed in on the controversy, noting that he didn’t agree with the decision to eliminate him. “I’m not upset at the production,” Valentine, 30, said in the video. “Their hands were tied.

They had to make a sacrifice, I understand why. It is upsetting. I think they made the wrong decision. I think a slap on the wrist would have been a much better thing.” He went on to explain that for those who watch the clip — during which, he casually says the slur while having a conversation with houseguests Cory Wurtenberger, Hisam Goueli and Jared Fields — it is “pretty clear” that there as “no malice,” “no ill intent” behind his comments.

The houseguests were informed the next day that Valentine would no longer be in the game as his actions violated the code of conduct. “It was about a week of malnutrition, a week of sleep deprivation.