What To Know
- Levi Banks, originally cast for Big Brother 28, withdrew from the show just before the premiere.
- Banks expressed gratitude for the opportunity and stated he is on good terms with CBS and the show.
If you saw a Big Brother Houseguest in the Season 28 lineup who was later missing, you weren’t mistaken. Levi Banks was replaced by Yash Patel minutes before the cast was announced. Now, the sequestered Houseguest is speaking out about why he pulled out of the season.
Banks, a 28-year-old winery executive from Pilot Mountain, North Carolina, was accidentally posted by an outlet, caught by fans, and quickly taken down. However, he blew up on Reddit and X.
One hour before the premiere, Banks released an explanation on his Instagram. “What is up, Big Brother fans?” he began the video. “My name is Levi Banks, and I just wanted to give you all a quick update and to let you know that I am doing great.”
“As we got closer and closer and closer to the move-in day, I just realized this was not the right fit for me personally,” he said in the video. “I want to let you know that was probably the hardest decision of my entire life.” A spokesperson for CBS confirmed to Entertainment Weekly that Banks chose to leave the show.
Banks is back home in North Carolina and said that he is on “good terms” with CBS, Big Brother, and everyone. “I am so so thankful for this opportunity. It was very life-changing,” he shared.
He shared that he is excited to watch the show, even though it will be “a different POV.” “So, I will take that one thing at a time,” Banks said. Banks ended by thanking everyone for their support and gave a shout-out to Yash, his replacement.
The Season 28 Houseguests include 14 newbies, as well as Season 26 alum Angela Murray and Survivor 38 and 50 alum Rick Devens. Another Survivor alum is rumored to be joining the season later.
The season also includes a RuPaul’s Drag Race contestant, an MMA fighter, a corporate game show host, a 57-year-old mom of four, and more. Find out how the “biggest season yet” will play out as the reality show reaches its 1,000th episode later in the season and Houseguests enter the “Time Trip” house. Who will take home the $750,000 grand prize?
Big Brother, Season 28 premiere, July 9, 8/7c, CBS, watch Sundays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays