''Big Brother'' knife incident results in lawsuit (2024)

As CBS prepares for Wednesday’s premiere of this year’s edition of ”Big Brother,” it’s still facing repercussions from last year’s notorious incident in which contestant Justin Sebik held a knife to the throat of fellow contestant Krista Stegall. Though producers quickly evicted Sebik from the house, and though Stegall and Sebik seemed to dismiss the incident as horseplay at the time, she’s now suing CBS for negligence in allowing the incident to occur and not providing her with adequate psychological counseling afterward, E! reports.

Late one night during last summer’s run of ”Big Brother,” Sebik and Stegall were kissing in the kitchen of the camera-rigged house. Sebik pulled out a kitchen knife from a drawer, held it to Stegall’s throat, and said, ”Wait, hang on, I’m going to slash your throat. Would you get mad if I killed you now?” She replied, ”No. But I want some water.” (The incident was shown on the ”Big Brother” webcast but edited out of the TV broadcast.) Sebik later told host Julie Chen he was just kidding around, saying, ”If there is anyone who can perceive that as an act of violence or a threat, then you’re an idiot.” Still, CBS ejected him from the house. Shortly thereafter, the New York Times reported that Sebik passed through CBS’ contestant screening even though he had been arrested on assault charges in 1996 and charged with assault and theft in 1997. The network acknowledged that it had known of an arrest for robbery but noted the charge had been dropped.

Stegall, in a suit filed at the end of June in Louisiana state court in New Orleans, claimed that CBS should have been more vigorous in its screening of Sebik and should have ejected him earlier, after such menacing behavior as a dispute over a pillow. She also is seeking reimbursem*nt for psychological counseling expenses she incurred after the show when, she says, she sought treatment to cope with the publicity stemming from the incident. (Apparently, having a knife held to her throat was less traumatic than dealing with reporters.)

A CBS spokeswoman said, ”We think there is no merit to this lawsuit and we are prepared to defend it vigorously.”

''Big Brother'' knife incident results in lawsuit (2024)

FAQs

Why did Krista sue Big Brother? ›

Krista hired Louisiana attorney L. Clayton Burgess and sued CBS following the incident that occurred between her and Justin Sebik. In 2010, Krista later claimed to be a victim of an assault at the hands of Survivor: Fiji cast member Boo Bernis.

What happened to Justin Sebik? ›

Justin was expelled from the house on Day 10 for holding a knife to Krista Stegall's neck and threatening the other houseguests. As an expelled houseguest, he was not invited back as a jury member to participate in the final vote.

Has anyone ever sued Big Brother? ›

A contestant on the US version of Big Brother who had a knife held to her throat is suing the broadcaster, it emerged today. Krista Stegall, 28, claims the CBS network should not have allowed New Jersey bartender Justin Sebik on the show because of his previous arrests.

Why did Justin get expelled from Big Brother? ›

Justin Sebik was expelled from Big Brother Season 2 for threatening to kill a co-star with a knife. Justin faced legal trouble after the show, being arrested for allegedly assaulting his girlfriend.

Did Boogie and Krista date? ›

Mike "Boogie" Malin and Krista Stegall – Season 2

Boogie was head over heels for Krista! During the live finale, he proposed to her and she said yes. However, it didn't last, and she broke it off shortly after.

What does Krista do? ›

Krista is an AI-led intelligent automation platform. Krista enables companies to automate complete business processes by elegantly orchestrating people, systems, and AI.

Why did Big Brother get pushed back? ›

Then, in 2020, Big Brother: All-Stars had a delayed start due to the pandemic and didn't begin airing until August. Since then, the show has resorted to an early July premiere date up until this year.

Who has been kicked out of the Big Brother house? ›

Jenkin and Tom - Evicted in episode 33

After being fake evicted into a secret house, Jenkin and Tom were officially eliminated from Big Brother.

Who went to jail from Big Brother? ›

A public relations manager from New Jersey, Jasinski was arrested in October 2009 for buying and reselling oxycodone with the $500,000 he won on "Big Brother." In 2011, Jasinski was sentenced to four years in federal prison after pleading guilty to drug trafficking and tax evasion on his "Big Brother" winnings.

Is Big Brother fake or scripted? ›

Considering that the goal is to entertain and make money ahead of anything else, aspects of media manipulation have to be present, and there are several examples of that in Big Brother. The show does have moments that are real with natural twists and turns. But overall, a lot of the show is also planned.

What is the scandal on Big Brother? ›

Luke Valentine (Season 25)

After Luke used the N-word during a week one conversation with fellow houseguests Cory, Hisam Goueli and Jared in August 2023, Big Brother fans called for his removal from the game. Big Brother 15 winner Andy Herren was among those who voiced his support for Luke's expulsion.

What happened to Justin after Big Brother 2? ›

Justin faced legal trouble after the show, being arrested for allegedly assaulting his girlfriend. Justin is now a family man and has moved on from his reality TV past, although little is known about his current activities. Justin Sebik from Big Brother has improved his life in the last two decades.

Who broke the rules on Big Brother? ›

Announcing the rule breaks to the housemates in the clip, Big Brother said: "The first rule break was made by Louis and Marisha. The second rule break was made by Louis, again." "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry," Louis told his housemates as the pair awaited their punishment.

What was the most explosive season of Big Brother? ›

Big Brother 10

It aired in 2008 and is widely regarded as one of the most dramatic seasons in the show's history. Power Shifts: Throughout the season, alliances continuously shifted, creating unexpected dynamics. Coaches: Four returning players entered the game as coaches to mentor the new contestants.

What happened with Boogie and Krista? ›

Despite the fact that Mike proposed to Krista at the live BB2 finale - and that she said "I do" -, the couple called it quits shortly after in November 2001. Ultimately, Boogie and Krista reportedly didn't see eye to eye when it came to new TV projects outside of Big Brother.

Did Will and Shannon date after Big Brother? ›

Will went on to become a legendary Big Brother winner that is hailed by the fans for years. Shannon and Will dated for some time after the show. However, they eventually ended the relationship.

What happened to Shannon from BB2? ›

Post Big Brother

Since the show, Shannon has since moved to Florida and is now a paramedic.

What happened to Autumn in Big Brother 2? ›

Big Brother Season 2 Contestant, Autumn Nicole Daly was ARRESTED for Theft of Property in Texas. We first reported an update regarding Autumn Daly last year. She was a contestant on Season 2 of Big Brother.

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