There has been a sobering Big Brother related news story hitting the headlines today…one which highlights the dangerous side of reality TV.

Daniel Echaniz was a contestant “Big Brother Brasil” and is reportedly being investigated by police, who are reacting to claims that he raped a fellow housemate on the show while she was unconscious.

The handsome male model was said to be featured in a clip on the show’s official website, laying down beside Monique Amin – who was passed out drunk – and could be seen having sex with the woman while she was unconscious.

The seven minute long clip created quite a stir among fans of the show on various social media sites and after many viewers reported the case to Brazilian police, they have confirmed that they are investigating the matter, even though Monique denies that an assault took place.

Rio de Janeiro police spokeswoman Edileide Macedo said:

“The young woman denies she was raped and has not pressed charges. We continue to investigate the case because it is a public matter.”

The matter was covered in O Globo newspaper and Echaniz’s mother has spoken out in defence of her son, insisting that her boy is a was quoted as saying “victim of racism.”

She ranted:

“There have already been (such incidents on the show) and they didn’t have such consequences.”

31-year-old Echaniz has since been removed from the Big Brother house because of his “gravely inadequate” behavior and TV channel Globo has removed the video from their website.

However it is still available to watch on YouTube and what we want to know is why didn’t the crew step in and stop this happening? Even if it wasn’t rape, it certainly seems that something inappropriate went on and yet the cameramen just kept on filming.

Leave your comments below.