Reality TV "villain" admits making racist comments

LONDON, Jan 21 (Reuters) In a tearful confession today, Jade Goody, the reality television star accused of bigotry and bullying on the ''Celebrity Big Brother'' show, has admitted that her comments were racist.

The 25-year-old former dental nurse, at the centre of an international storm last week for her verbal assaults on fellow contestant and Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty, also said that she had been a bully.

''I'm not a racist, but I accept I made racist comments,'' Goody said in an interview with the News of the World tabloid, which was also aired on Sky television.

''She (Shetty) was a victim of bullying and racism, yes.'' On the show, Shetty's accent was mocked, her cooking was criticised, Goody called her ''Shilpa Poppadom'' and said ''she makes my skin crawl'' while another contestant added: ''She should fuck off home''.

Shetty, an Indian A-list star, did not hear all the comments made about her by housemates on the Big Brother set, but said on the show that she did not believe she had been the victim of racism.

But the behaviour of Goody, and other contestants who ganged up on Shetty, triggered a storm of protest in Britain and India, and prompted one of the show's main sponsors to pull out.

''I now know that things that I may not think are racist can actually be racist,'' said Goody, who broke down in tears during the interview.

''It's my own fault for not knowing enough about other people's cultures.'' The newspaper said Goody would not be paid for her confession, but that the proceeds, along with her fee for appearing on Big Brother, would go to charities chosen by her and Shetty.

It remains to be seen whether millionaire Goody, who first shot to fame in a non-celebrity version of Big Brother in 2002, can save her career.

REUTERS DKA BD1640