Big Brother's Hallie's mum breaks her silence after Farida asked if men who fancy her would be considered gay: 'She handled it so well'

By SEAN O'GRADY FOR MAILONLINE

Published: | Updated:

Big Brother star Hallie's mother has spoken out in support of her daughter after she was asked about being transgender by fellow housemate Farida.

Hallie's mother Samantha appeared on Big Brother spin-off show Late & Live on Tuesday where she said her daughter 'handled it so well'.

Farida, 50, was curious to know whether men who fancied Hallie, 18, were considered to be gay, after admitting it is important to educate herself. 

Fans were divided over Farida's 'uncomfortable' questions, with some praising her for enquiring while others thought it should have been handled more privately.

Speaking on Late & Live, Hallie's mother said: 'She knows when to stop it if a line gets crossed but she also knows that she does have to explain as well. Some people don't know.'

Family: Big Brother star Hallie's mother has spoken out in support of her daughter after she was asked about being transgender by fellow housemate Farida

Family: Big Brother star Hallie's mother has spoken out in support of her daughter after she was asked about being transgender by fellow housemate Farida

Awkward: Farida, 50, was curious to know whether men who fancied Hallie, 18, (pictured) were considered to be gay, after admitting it is important to educate herself

Awkward: Farida, 50, was curious to know whether men who fancied Hallie, 18, (pictured) were considered to be gay, after admitting it is important to educate herself

Tense: Fans were divided over Farida's 'uncomfortable' questions, with some praising her for enquiring while others thought it should have been handled more privately

Tense: Fans were divided over Farida's 'uncomfortable' questions, with some praising her for enquiring while others thought it should have been handled more privately

Samantha didn't criticise Farida however and noted the Wolverhampton native said before entering the house she wanted to learn new things.

She added: 'Farida said when she was walking into the house that she wants to learn things, she wants to teach her own faith and culture.'

'[Hallie has] handled it so well. She's coming out just being herself and it's lovely for the whole world to know the real Hallie that I know.

'She's very grown-up. She's had to grow up fast. I had to bring her up fast to comply with the world that she's going to be brought up in because of being trans.'

On Tuesday's episode, Farida asked: 'Hallie can I ask, me who you have relationships with…' before Hallie cut her off and told her: 'I haven't had a relationship yet.'

Farida continued: 'If a guy was to get with you would they be seen as gay?'

Hallie replied: 'I won't have sex until I have my full transition. There's men out there who specifically like trans women, and there's men out there that will just see me as a woman, and just be with me as a woman.'

She later discussed the moment with here fellow housemates, saying: 'When Farida said to me, "if a man was to be with you does that make them gay?" I was like no I'm a woman, they like me like I'm a woman. She was all confused.'

Interview: Hallie's mother Samantha appeared on Big Brother spin-off show Late & Live on Tuesday where she said her daughter 'handled it so well'

Interview: Hallie's mother Samantha appeared on Big Brother spin-off show Late & Live on Tuesday where she said her daughter 'handled it so well'

New: Hallie was seen entering the show's famous house on ITV on Sunday night as the programme returned to British television after a five year hiatus

New: Hallie was seen entering the show's famous house on ITV on Sunday night as the programme returned to British television after a five year hiatus

Hallie then admitted Farida's questions were 'frustrating' and added: 'I was like, you need to chill out babe. If that made them gay I would be a man.'

Later on Farida and Hallie broke the ice, with Farida said: 'The thing is that I don't believe in bullying. I was just curious because I feel it's my first opportunity... it's a social experiment being in here. Different people celebrating their culture and what they're about.'

Some viewers weren't happy with the way Farida approached the topic, with one penning: 'So much respect to Hallie for having a mature convo with Farida and not go off at someone who's trying to learn but saying the wrong thing'

Another commented: 'This is why it's important to have these convos! Education is key. Hallie handled it so well!'

However, one fan said: 'Why is it wrong for Farida to ask Hallie questions if she doesn't understand? It's not like she was asking in a disrespectful way'

Another added: 'Very awkward convo, but I don't see any ill intent in Farida asking Hallie questions she cleary stated she'd like to be educated and Hallie said she was open to discussing it!'

Hallie is not the first transgender housemate to appear on Big Brother - trans woman Nadia Almada won the show in in 2004 and trans man Luke Anderson triumphed in 2012.

Big Brother continues on Thursday at 9pm on ITV2 and ITVX.  

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AGE: 25

PROFESSION: Barman

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AGE: 21

PROFESSION: Butcher 

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Big Brother TopicTransgender Issues

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