Celebrity Traitors is hit by a race row as Industry star Myha'la claims 'unconscious racial bias' exists in the show's format

Celebrity Traitors star Myha'la Herrold has claimed that 'unconscious racial and cultural bias exists' in the format of the BBC show, but has defended her co-stars for voting her out.

The American actress, 30, was the second player to be banished in scenes which aired last week.

Suspicions were raised after Myha'la defended Traitor Richard E. Grant but then switching up her allegianceat the last second by voting for him, as well as giving him a suspicious wink before he left.

On Friday the star shared a post on Instagram about her experience on the show. In a comment under the post, entrepreneur Chantel Sachanna claimed: 'Unfortunately you were banished because you are BLACK. This is a consistent thread in this racist show.'

Posting a lengthy response, Myha'la said she would have agreed with Sachanna's comments, if not for the fact that 'I sealed my own' fate, explaining that 'that early in the game there is VERY little to grasp on to, and I gave them…a lot.'

She added though: 'I do agree that unconscious racial and cultural bias exists in this game where my authenticity or honesty or the ways in which I choose to express myself look suspicious to people who are unfamiliar with people like me.'

She continued: 'I had this fear coming into the game, as I am a BIG fan and also clocked right away how prevalent this is in this game.'

'And I came in knowing I'd be the only American (apart from Honorary British National Treasure Jerry Hall).'

She added that she had to defend her co-stars though, writing: 'I'm not saying it's right, I'm not saying racism doesn't exist, but I do have to defend my dear friends on this show who in no way consciously put bias on me because of my race.'

Myha'la added: 'That's not a fair or complete assessment of what really happened in my case.'

'And! I do think games like this should allow more conversation around unconscious bias and how, when under pressure, people (society) gravitate towards things they know and understand or subsequently push away from things they don't. It's all love, and I REALLY genuinely appreciate your support. 

The Daily Mail has contacted the BBC for comment. 

Myha'la, who is best known for her lead role in the BBC drama Industry, was the second player to be banished from the second series of Celebrity Traitors.

She fought back tears during the second tense roundtable, as she attempted to defend her name, but it wasn't enough.

'I have loved getting to know you all; thank you for loving me,' she said to her fellow celebrities.'

'I will say to the Faithfuls I don't think the Traitors are as dumb or as silly or as confused as you think they are. I think they are a lot smarter. But I have been a Faithful.'

She added in her exit interview: 'I immediately got close to Richard, just because I feel like we're twin flames. Really, I shouldn't trust him as far as I could throw him, which is ultimately, I think, my demise.'

Fans took to X, to share their thoughts on her exit, penning: 'Myha'la deserved better,'

'My beautiful princess myha'la banished from traitors ITS NOT FAIR,'

'A star too bright for this season. Oh Myha'la this cast didn't deserve you, I miss you so much already,'

'Myha'la literally got targeted for being empathetic.

Her co-stars also added to the comments. Little Mix star Leigh-Anne Pinnock posted a string of heart emojis as she wrote: 'Don't get me startedddd love you girl!' Richard shared his love with kiss emojis. 

Insiders have claimed that when the cameras stop rolling, contestants on the BBC One show are still 'at one another's throats' as the tension and 'utter paranoia' between them spills over into real life.

Traitors insiders suggest that wrong decisions at the round table when two Faithfuls were sent home sparked the paranoid behaviour.

Following Myha'la's exit on Thursday, former Coronation Street favourite Julie Hesmondhalgh was sent home in a shock decision – rather than mathematician Professor Hannah Fry, a Traitor.

A show insider told The Mail on Sunday: 'The tension is coming across on screen, but it was just as bad if not worse when the cameras stopped rolling. 

'It is a tense environment, and they are cut off from the outside world; it is hard for them to switch off even when they head back to their individual lodgings. 

'They were constantly thinking about the game.'

The pressure became so intense for comedian James Acaster, who was recruited as a Traitor in the second episode, that filming had to be paused. 

The 41-year-old became 'very anxious' on set in Ardross Castle and some of the other contestants were forced to speak up and insist the cameras stop rolling.

BBC bosses later stressed that the welfare of contestants was a priority.