Makosi Musambasi has claimed she was "treated differently" as a black housemate on ‘Big Brother’.
The reality TV star – who finished third on the sixth series on Channel 4 back in 2005, and returned for ‘Ultimate Big Brother five years later – was annoyed at how she was "depicted", but she believes the issue goes "beyond reality TV".
Speaking to Grazia magazine, she said: "I do feel I was treated differently because of the colour of my skin.
"Black women have always had to tone themselves down because, if you don’t, you’re seen as aggressive or a bully."
However, she dismissed the idea that producers are more responsible than people watching at home.
She explained: "I was angry about how I was depicted and I’ve had to face up to that. But I don’t think it’s a production issue.
"It’s a collective perception, beyond reality TV. Michelle Obama was abused. Meghan Markle faced the same."
The star – who is now a life coach – suggested viewers "need an education on people who don’t look like them", but admitted she is hopeful the world is moving in the right direction.
She added: "My hope is that the conversation the world is having right now will change perceptions.
"Education is a continuous thing, and those with the will to learn will learn."
Her comments come after former ‘X Factor’ star Misha B hit out at producers, claiming she was portrayed as an "angry black girl" when she appeared in the competition back in 2011.
She recently said: "They saw an opportunity to tear down a black girl that came from a broken home and worked together to assassinate my character and to sabotage my career by orchestrating lies."
An ‘X Factor’ spokesperson previously said: "We are currently looking into this matter and are reaching out to Misha to discuss the important issues she has raised.
"The welfare of contestants is our priority and we are committed to diversity and equality."