‘Big Brother 17’: Derrick Levasseur Tells Contestants To Prepare Their Families

Big Brother 17 starts in less than three weeks, and last year’s winner already has some advice for the new contestants. In a blog post for Big Brother Network, Derrick Levasseur told house guests to prep their families for the experience. He cautions families against defending their loved ones isolated inside the Big Brother game.

“[Y]our family is not off limits to the love or hate that will come their way while you are in the house. Your family obviously loves you and their natural reaction will be to defend you. Make sure they don’t. Sit them down and let them know that YOU will handle it when you get home. No social media battles, TV interviews, or responding on podcasts. Encourage them to sit back and enjoy the show as you strategize your way to $500,000.”

Unlike other reality shows that are taped and then broadcast, Big Brother happens in real time. Although the majority of what is shown on television is compiled from previous days’ events, live feeds bring the day-to-day action and tedium onto laptops as it happens. While the contestants remain in isolation, the controversy they create can spin around them in the outside world.

The game players during Levasseur’s season were relatively well-received. But the year before, on Big Brother 15, the game was tainted by racist comments made by players inside the house. Some players exited the compound to learn they lost their jobs because of their words and actions.

Family members of other reality series characters have been known to speak up for their loved ones. Last season’s controversial Bachelor contestant, Kelsey Poe, had an advocate in her sister who took to social media in her defense.

The sister of a current Bachelorette hopeful, Clint Arlis, who has made news for his involvement in the “Brokeback Bachelor” storyline, told a local Illinois paper before the season began she was excited to see her brother on the show. While the family said they had some worries about editing, they believed Arlis would behave himself.

Levasseur’s advice for Big Brother players didn’t stop at family preparation. The man who hid his status as a police officer while inside the house told future house guests to play their own game, and to do it without regrets.

“Don’t create a situation where you’re sitting back, watching the show and regretting the fact that you didn’t take advantage of this once in a lifetime experience.”

Big Brother 17 debuts Wednesday, June 24 on CBS.

[Derrick Levasseur image from Big Brother 16: courtesy of Zap2It.com]