Police demand filmed materials of Israel Big Brother contestant

TIMES OF ISRAEL STAFF

Andel Kabeda has been accused of sexually harassing another contestant, also called police ‘Nazis’; production office is resisting warrant;
Big Brother contestant Andel Kabeda (Channel 2)

The production offices of Israel’s Big Brother reality TV show were visited by police on Friday, who demanded that producers hand over filmed material featuring current season contestant Andel Kabeda, Haaretz reported.

Police reportedly had a warrant for the materials, and told producers it had been issued in light of a complaint filed against Kabeda, though they would not give any more details. Producers refused to hand in the materials and said they would appeal the warrant on Sunday.

Kabeda, who is of Ethiopian descent, has railed against police treatment of his community, and in one recent exchange called policemen “Nazis.”

The controversial candidate has also been accused of sexual harassment of another contestant, Maayan Ashkenazi. Kabeda has frequently attempted to touch Ashkenazi in seemingly inappropriate ways and has often spoken to her in an offensive manner, suggesting she undress and that they engage in an orgy together, as well as expressing his desire to “drink from your lips.” Ashkenazi’s father recently said production had cautioned Kabeda about his behavior.

It was unclear whether Friday’s police visit was tied to one of these matters.