Big Brother 28 is already making headlines ahead of launch, after one would-be houseguest exited the cast before the season even began and has now explained why.
Levi Banks, who had been expected to appear on the new season, was no longer part of the final lineup just days before the summer premiere. CBS’s official season materials for Big Brother 28 went live after a YouTube cast reveal on July 7, and the show is set to launch with a 90-minute premiere on Thursday, July 9, followed by the return of Big Brother: Unlocked on Friday, July 10.
Speculation started earlier this week when promotional material released ahead of the season appeared to feature Banks’ photo and biography, but his name was absent from the network’s official cast announcement video.
That unexpected change quickly caught the attention of fans, who traced cached versions of his profile online and identified him as a 28-year-old winery executive from Pilot Mountain, North Carolina. CBS’s later press materials instead listed Yash Patel among the season 28 houseguests.
Early reporting from The U.S. Sun suggested Banks had been removed after allegedly violating the show’s notoriously strict secrecy rules before the season began.
Before each new season of Big Brother, contestants typically go through a two-week sequester. During that period, they are cut off from outside contact, surrender access to phones and other devices, and complete final medical and psychological checks. The series has long been known for its intense pregame isolation, since even small leaks can affect casting, twists, and the way the season is introduced to viewers.
“After everything, he was pulled from the season at basically the very last second,” a production source claimed.
Since then, however, Banks has publicly addressed the situation himself and said the decision was his, not the show’s.
In a video shared to Instagram before Thursday night’s premiere, he told fans that he ultimately chose not to enter the competition.
“What is up, Big Brother fans?” he begins in a video post. “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.”
He went on to explain that although he had been prepared to take part, his feelings changed as move-in got closer.
“I was all set and ready to move into the Big Brother house this season,” he said, “and as we got closer and closer and closer to the move-in day I just kinda realized that this was not the right fit for me personally.”
Banks also said that stepping away was incredibly difficult, but he felt it was the right call.
“I kinda wanted to let you know that was probably the hardest decision of my entire life.”
He added that he has since returned home and remains on positive terms with the network and the series.
“I am back home in North Carolina right now,” Levi explains. “And I am on good terms with CBS, Big Brother, and everyone, and I just wanted to let them know and you all know that I am so, so, so thankful for this opportunity. It has been very life-changing.”
A CBS spokesperson also confirmed that Banks was not removed, and that the exit was voluntary.
While he will not be competing this season, Banks said he still plans to watch the show from home and cheer on the cast. The season is expected to feature a 24-houseguest cast, with live feeds scheduled to begin on July 10.
“I am so freaking excited to watch the show tonight,” he gushes. “Oh my gosh, I am pumped! It’s gonna be a little bit of a different POV than going in the house as to being in my couch, so I will take that one thing at a time. But I want to say thank you all so much for your support. I appreciate each and every one of you, and let’s go Yash!”