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Kamu Kirk, the MMA fighter competing on Big Brother Season 28, is under heavy criticism after an old Instagram clip resurfaced showing him mocking someone who cried out the words that have become emblematic of police brutality. The short video, originally posted to his Stories in December and still in his highlights, has reignited debate about his conduct and the show’s vetting process.
What the resurfaced video shows and why it matters
The clip captures a tense street scene near Kirk’s home. An unnamed person is being detained and can be heard shouting “I can’t breathe” and later crying out “I’m dying.” Instead of expressing concern, Kirk is seen laughing and imitating the plea, repeating, “I can’t breathe,” then quipping that the person “thinks he’s George Floyd.”
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He also appears amused as officers carry out the arrest and jokes about reclaiming a nearby parking spot the person once used. The content is short, but the imagery and language struck many viewers as callous.
Historical context: why the phrase struck a nerve
The phrase invoked in the clip carries heavy weight because George Floyd died in May 2020 while a Minneapolis officer knelt on his neck. Floyd repeatedly said he could not breathe before he died at 46. That moment sparked global protests and an ongoing conversation about policing and race.
Public reaction and social media backlash
Fans and critics on social platforms quickly condemned Kirk’s behavior. Responses ranged from accusations of racism to calls for CBS to explain how he was cast.
- Some users called the video a “disgusting lack of empathy.”
- Others pointed out that Kirk filmed the scene, posted it and then saved it to his highlights, suggesting pride in the moment.
- Several commenters demanded accountability from Big Brother producers and the network.
Frankie Grande, a former Big Brother contestant and outspoken critic of Kirk’s on-season behavior, shared the clip and urged fans to push for his eviction. Producers had not publicly responded to requests for comment at the time reports emerged.
Allegations of a broader pattern on social media
Once attention turned to Kirk’s past posts, users discovered other controversial interactions. His activity allegedly included:
- Engaging with content labeled as Christian nationalist.
- Interacting with posts critical of Islam.
- Previous accusations of homophobic remarks toward fellow contestants.
These discoveries added fuel to critics who say the Instagram clip is not an isolated lapse but part of a broader pattern.
Specific incidents inside and outside the Big Brother house
- Kirk referred to fellow houseguest Jason De Puy, a drag performer from RuPaul’s Drag Race, using a term some viewers found mocking.
- On live feeds, Kirk said he wanted distance from drag-related conversation, framing it as a conflict with his public image as an MMA athlete.
- Those comments prompted accusations of homophobia from viewers and former cast members.
Calls for network accountability and casting questions
Viewers questioned CBS and the Big Brother casting team, asking whether the network examined Kirk’s public footprint before bringing him onto the show. Critics demanded answers about vetting standards and whether such behavior should disqualify a contestant.
Page Six and other outlets sought comment from CBS. No immediate reply was reported when the story circulated.
How allies and critics are responding now
Supporters of victims of police violence and many Big Brother fans have amplified the clip and related posts. High-profile former cast members joined in, sharing video and urging action inside the game.
Meanwhile, other viewers and online communities continue to dig through Kirk’s past content, compiling screenshots and posts that they say show a troubling pattern.
