A select few former contestants have paid the price for breaking the rules or engaging in behavior CBS deemed unacceptable.
Season 28, which premiered this week, is already off to a dramatic start as The U.S. Sun first revealed that contestant Levi Banks had become the latest player to exit the game prematurely.
There are not many Big Brother contestants who can join Levi on that list, but here is a look back at every major houseguest expulsion.
Season 2 – Justin Sebik
The first-ever contestant removed from the U.S. version of Big Brother was Justin Sebik during Season 2 in 2001.
Following a night of drinking, Justin reportedly held a kitchen knife to fellow houseguest Krista Stegall’s throat and jokingly asked, “Would you mind if I killed you?”
Krista later told producers she did not believe Justin intended to harm her, but CBS immediately removed him from the game over the incident.
At the time, ABC News reported the confrontation prompted producers to intervene because of safety concerns, making Justin the franchise’s first expulsion.
Season 4 – Scott Weintraub
Scott Weintraub became the second contestant removed after an explosive outburst in 2003.
He repeatedly damaged property inside the house, threw chairs, smashed furniture and displayed increasingly aggressive behavior toward fellow contestants.
Executive producers later told the Los Angeles Times that Scott “just didn’t respond well” to the environment and exhibited “unacceptable behavior,” leading CBS to remove him from the competition before the situation escalated further.
Season 11 – Chima Simone
One of the most memorable expulsions came in Season 11 after Chima Simone repeatedly clashed with production.
Following a controversial Head of Household twist that overturned her ally’s power, Chima openly defied producers by refusing to wear her required microphone.
When production finally handed her another microphone, she tossed it into the backyard swimming pool.
Executive producer Allison Grodner later told CBS News: “Because of multiple rule violations, she needed to be expelled.”
Chima became the first player removed solely for repeatedly refusing to follow production rules rather than for threatening behavior.
Season 14 – Willie Hantz
Season 14’s Willie Hantz saw his game end after becoming involved in a physical altercation with fellow houseguest Joe Arvin.
During a heated confrontation, Willie head-butted Joe before other contestants stepped in to separate them.
Because Big Brother has a strict zero-tolerance policy regarding physical violence, producers immediately expelled Willie from the house.
Host Julie Chen later confirmed the removal during the live broadcast.
Season 25 – Luke Valentine
The show’s most recent expulsion before Season 28 came in 2023.
Luke was removed after using a racial slur during a conversation with other houseguests.
CBS aired the incident before announcing that Luke had violated the program’s code of conduct and had been removed from the game.
Following his exit, Luke apologized publicly, saying he was “deeply sorry” and acknowledging there was “no excuse” for using the offensive language.
He said he did not use the word out of hate but accepted responsibility for his actions and the consequences.
SEASON 28 SHAKEUP
Levi Banks’ departure differs from previous expulsions because he never actually appeared on the televised season.
The U.S. Sun exclusively revealed Levi completed the entire casting process, participated in promotional material and was preparing to enter the house before producers allegedly uncovered what sources described as a breach of trust.
Production ultimately removed him from the cast only days before the premiere, replacing him with alternate contestant Yash Patel in a last-minute shakeup.
Yash and the rest of the Season 28 contestants are currently competing in the Big Brother house for the $750,000 grand prize.
Big Brother 28 airs on Sundays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays on CBS and will be available to stream on Paramount+ the following day.
