Kate Middleton's Uncle Gary Begs Sharon Osbourne To Keep Him In 'Celebrity Big Brother UK'
Kate Middleton's uncle Gary Goldsmith wants to stay on "Celebrity Big Brother U.K." and show the public he's not the "black sheep" of the family.
The 58-year-old businessman was in the "danger zone" this week alongside David Potts and Zeze Millz.
They were given the opportunity to make their case with house lodger Sharon Osbourne, who would pick one of the housemates up for elimination.
Goldsmith begged Osbourne to keep him on "Celebrity Big Brother U.K." Season 23, saying he hoped to change the public's perception of him.
"So, we're going to have a nice little chat, Gary. Tell me, why did you accept the offer to come into the house?" Osbourne asked him during their one-on-one chat.
Goldsmith responded, "It does bother me what the public perception of me is. The black sheep of the family. I'm a normal bloke. It just so happens that my niece married Will."
Despite his plea, Goldsmith was ultimately chosen by Osbourne as her pick for elimination.
He will be joined by others nominated by the house later in the week.
Goldsmith is the younger brother of the Princess of Wales' mom, Carole Middleton.
His appearance on the reality show has since sparked backlash from domestic abuse charity Women's Aid, who called out ITV for hiring Goldsmith despite his previous assault arrest.
"The decision to include a man who has been charged, and pleaded guilty to, assaulting his wife, in the 'Celebrity Big Brother' house demonstrates the lack of awareness that the production team has when it comes to survivors of domestic abuse," Women's Aid said a statement.
The U.K. charity continued, "The producers should consider how Gary Goldsmith's appearance will impact women who have survived domestic abuse and how they will feel watching him on TV every night."
Women's Aid added that casting men convicted of abuse may be considered by survivors as "a sign that these crimes are not taken seriously."
In response to the criticism over Goldsmith's appearance, a spokesperson for "Big Brother" said in a statement obtained by the BBC, "All housemates undertake training in language and behavior before entering the 'Big Brother' house. All behavior in the house is strictly monitored at all times."
The spokesperson also highlighted Goldsmith's previous apology, in which he described the incident as a "mistake" that he had "worked endlessly for seven years to put right."
Goldsmith was arrested in 2017 for punching his fourth wife, Julie-Ann Brown, in the face during an argument, causing her to hit her head on the ground.
He pleaded guilty to the charges and was sentenced to a 12-month community order with 20 sessions of rehabilitation, The Independent reported. He was also fined $6,000.
The pair have since divorced, according to The Sun.
Meanwhile, Goldsmith discussed the royal family on "Celebrity Big Brother U.K." Season 23, including his thoughts on Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's royal exit.
He suggested that Markle changed the once-"comfortable" dynamic between Prince Harry, Prince William, and Middleton, putting "a stick in the spokes," according to The Daily Mail.
Goldsmith also said he believes that Prince Harry "is going to come back and be a part of the gang again" in the future.
"We are a very forgiving nation, it would be nice if he did," he added.
