No arrests will be made in connection with the Big Brother racism row, police said today.
The Crown Prosecution Service has decided that what occurred was “clearly offensive” but “not criminal”.
The row sparked a diplomatic incident following the treatment of the Channel 4 show’s eventual winner Shilpa Shetty.
Hertfordshire Police said: “Following consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service, it was felt that it would not be in the public interest to effect arrests or to pursue footage through the courts.”
Detective Inspector Jeeta Aulak, who ran the inquiry, said: “The investigation was balanced, considering all complaints received.
“During inquiries, we liaised with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and the Commission for Racial Equality (CRE). This was to ensure that all issues were considered and responded to.
“The CRE were happy with our response and investigation.”
Assistant Chief Constable Simon Parr said: “Our investigation has now concluded and a file has been handed across to the CPS.
“In the absence of complaint from any of the housemates regarding behaviour – including behaviour that was not broadcast – the CPS has concluded that whilst what occurred was clearly offensive, it was not criminal.”
Hertfordshire Police said Endemol and Channel 4 had “declined to co-operate” with their requests for unedited footage from the show.
The production house and the broadcaster told officers they would contest any application in court.
The force said it was decided that it was not in the public interest to make arrests or pursue footage through the courts.
Police wanted to speak to six of the former housemates, but two declined.
The statement said: “During the interviews, everybody stated that they had not witnessed or perceived they were victim to any racist behaviour.”
Celebrity Big Brother sparked international fury because of the scenes involving Jade Goody, Danielle Lloyd and Jo O’Meara.
An unprecedented 45,000 complaints were received by Ofcom, the watchdog which is due to report its findings next month.
A parallel Channel 4 review is also looking into the processes and decision-making of its executives and Endemol.
Viewers were outraged by scenes in which Goody dubbed the Bollywood actress “Shilpa Poppadom”, while Danielle said: “She wants to be white.”
Chancellor Gordon Brown was even forced to comment on the row during his visit to India after protesters burned effigies of the show’s producers.
The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, said the row exposed the “ugly underbelly” of bigotry in society that needed to be tackled.
Goody was evicted from the Big Brother house in a public vote, but away from the crowds.
She later admitted Shilpa had been subjected to “bullying and racism”, saying: “She was a victim of bullying and racism, yes. I can understand why she would have said that.”
The former dental nurse, who recently visited India, has seen her profile nosedive and the loss of several lucrative contracts.
Lloyd has also lost several modelling jobs while O’Meara has become a virtual recluse and Shetty, recently pictured at Liz Hurley’s wedding celebrations, has become a huge star.
Carphone Warehouse tore up its £3 million-a-year contract to sponsor the show.
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