‘Big Brother’ Player Levi Banks Explains Why He Dropped Out at the Last Minute: ‘Hardest Decision’

 “I kinda wanted to let you know that was probably the hardest decision of my entire life,” Levi added.

Levi continued, “I am back home in North Carolina right now. 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.”

Although he will no longer be in the middle of the action in the Big Brother house, Levi said he would still be following the season as a fan.

“I am so freaking excited to watch the show tonight,” he said. “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!”

The mention of Yash appears to be a reference to Yash Patel, who was rumored to be the replacement player for Levi after he dropped out.

In the initial announcement, 14 new players were introduced. Amongst the new faces are an MMA fighter, a game show host, a drag queen who previously appeared on Drag Race and more. Survivor fan favourite, Rick Devens, was also confirmed to have joined the season 28 cast.

Big Brother 28 began with a 90-minute premiere on CBS and Paramount+ on Thursday night.

“This new group of Houseguests is stepping into a summer where nothing is as it seems, where every twist rewrites the rules, and where time becomes the ultimate twist,” CBS teased of the new season in a press release.