By Joseph Akahome
- Reports say Daniel Echaniz raped Monique Amin in bed…
Real life drama of the absurd was played out on live reality TV as a contestant in the Brazilian version of ‘Big Brother’ allegedly raped a fellow housemate while she was asleep.
Daniel Echaniz, 30, has been questioned by police after live images were shown of him in bed with 23-year-old Monique Amin. Apparently she had passed out from drinking alcohol at a party before going to bed, which the male model took advantage of.
However, and interestingly too, the lady at the centre of the rape incident has not confirmed that she was indeed raped as re-iterated by investigating police.
‘The young woman denies she was raped and has not pressed charges, we continue to investigate the case because it is a public matter’, police spokeswoman Edileide Macedo said.
Television network Rede Globo, producers of the hit TV show, has removed Echaniz, a model, from the reality TV house.
Part of the statement from Globo TV stated that: ‘They were both seen in intimate scenes at Big Brother Brazil 12, images that generated suspicion of sexual abuse.’
After evaluation, Globo TV decided to remove Daniel in order for him to also provide formal information to the police. The producers of the show determined that the participant’s behaviour was inappropriate and prevent him from returning.
While participants have been kicked off Big Brother productions in other countries for sexually questionable behaviour, this is the first disqualification on the Brazilian show.
The hugely popular show, which began in 1997, is now in its 12th series with the winner receiving $830,000.
