Shocking Elimination: Explosive Incident Forces Unexpected Exit of 'Big Brother 25' Houseguest Luke Valentine

Luke Valentine. Sonja Flemming/CBS

Big Brother 25 contestant Luke Valentine has been expelled from the competition for uttering a racial slur during the live feeds.

“Luke's use of a racial slur is a clear violation of the BIG BROTHER code of conduct, and such behavior is not tolerated within the house," CBS and the producers stated in a release on Wednesday, August 9. "As a result, he has been immediately removed from the house. Viewers can expect an explanation of his departure in Thursday night's episode.”

Luke, 30, faced criticism from fans today when he used a racial slur during a conversation with fellow houseguests Cory Wurtenberger, Hisam Goueli, and Jared Fields. The incident occurred in the G's room and was captured in a video clip that has been widely circulated on social media. After realizing his mistake, Luke quickly covered his mouth and tried to correct himself by using a different word, saying "Dude."

Cory, 21, and Hisam, 45, were shocked by Luke's slip-up. Luke personally apologized to Jared, who is Black, but the exterminator, 25, shrugged it off and said he wasn't bothered. Jared is one of five Black houseguests competing this season, which includes his mother, Survivor legend, Cirie Fields, Mecole Hayes, Kirsten Elewin, and Felicia Cannon. Currently, Kirsten, 25, and Felicia, 63, have been nominated for eviction. On the first night, both Cory and Jared were also on the block, but the current Head of Household, Reilly Smedley, decided to remove the men. With Luke's departure, it remains uncertain if the group will still vote to evict either Kirsten or Felicia on Thursday, August 10.

Jared and Luke mockingly teased their fellow castmates' intense responses to the remark, prior to Jared's dismissal. "I could have easily made you feel uncomfortable, like, 'Hold up, dude. What did you just say?'" Jared humorously remarked on the live feeds, followed by a nonchalant "I don't care."

While this marks the first instance of a contestant being expelled from the show for using a racial slur, it is not the first time that a cast member has been caught making offensive comments on the live feeds.

Aaryn Gries, a contestant on CBS's season 15 in 2013, stirred controversy when she made a series of derogatory comments about people of color. Throughout the season, the now 32-year-old referred to Asian individuals as "squinty-eyed," derogatorily referred to Black houseguest Candice Stewart as "Aunt Jemima," and made insensitive remarks to her Korean housemate Helen Kim, asking her to "go make some rice."

Aaryn faced criticism for her racist comments but was not expelled from the game. Upon her elimination, she was confronted by Julie Chen Moonves and offered an apology, stating that her remarks were never intended to be racist.

"As a person from the Southern region, I am aware of the stereotype and acknowledge that certain comments I made were misinterpreted and distorted. I want to clarify that I never intended to come across as racist," she expressed at the time. "That is not a reflection of who I truly am, and I extend my sincere apologies to anyone who was offended by my words."

Big Brother airs on CBS Wednesdays and Sundays at 8 p.m. ET and Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET.