Another season of Big Brother, another headline-making scandal. This time, it’s Utah contestant Isaiah “Zae” Frederich at the center of the storm, after a late-night live feed moment left fans stunned and disappointed. While casually playing chess with fellow houseguest Keanu Soto, Zae dropped a slur that immediately set off alarms not just with viewers, but even with his chess buddy.
In a clip now making the rounds online, Zae can be heard saying, “Oh s–t. I’m a f—ing r***d,” during what seemed like a lighthearted moment. But things took a turn as he immediately realized the weight of his words. “Damn, I shouldn’t say that word,” the Utah salesman added, acknowledging the mistake, per TMZ.
Keanu’s response was a blunt, “No, you shouldn’t.” Then, almost nervously, he asked whether the live feeds were rolling clearly unaware that Big Brother superfans are practically watching 24/7. Of course, they were, and Twitter caught it before the show even had a chance to blink.
Big Brother Star Zae Using Slur During Live Feed
Zae, to his credit, did try to walk it back, telling Keanu, “That’s one of the ones I was working on not saying,” before the two brushed off the moment with a chuckle. Keanu, trying to reassure his housemate, added, “I think you’re good… you’re lucky it’s late.” But based on how social media exploded afterward, that may have been wishful thinking.
The situation has ignited a new wave of outrage from viewers, many of whom are demanding CBS take action. The controversy is being compared to the 2023 incident involving houseguest Luke Valentine, who was booted from the house after using the N-word during a live feed. At the time, CBS made a clear statement: “Luke violated the Big Brother code of conduct, and there is zero tolerance in the house for using a racial slur. He has been removed from the house.”
That precedent is now looming large, as fans wait to see if Zae will face similar consequences. As of now, CBS hasn’t commented on the situation but the silence is already being seen by some as a statement in itself.
This isn’t the first time Big Brother has dealt with offensive language and questionable behavior. The show’s long-running live feed setup gives fans an unfiltered look at houseguests 24/7, which, while a major selling point for superfans, also means nothing goes unnoticed. One slip-up, one poorly chosen word, and it’s all over the internet before producers can say “Head of Household.”
Will There Be Consequences For The Utah Salesman?
This latest slip raises a bigger question, too: how much accountability should reality TV contestants face for language like this, especially in an environment where cameras never stop rolling? It’s 2025, there’s no excuse for not knowing that slurs, even when said in jest or frustration, are still harmful and offensive. Especially when you’re on a show that’s been known to remove people for similar behavior.
What’s particularly frustrating for fans is the casualness of the moment. Zae knew the word was wrong, admitted he was trying not to say it, but said it anyway. It wasn’t a slip of the tongue so much as a moment of recklessness, followed by a shrug and a laugh.
“He needs to go,” one person commented on TikTok.
“That behavior is unacceptable, we’ll see what happens,” another stated.
With this season still in its early stages, all eyes are on CBS to see whether they’ll stick to the no-tolerance policy they claimed just a year ago or whether this moment gets quietly brushed under the rug because it wasn’t broadcast on primetime. One thing’s for sure. Big Brother houseguests better remember the feeds are always watching, and not just Zae’s family in Utah, but also around the world.
Sabrina Russell 
Sofia Bassett 
Nina Franklin 
