“Big Brother” player Levi Banks explains pulling himself off season 28 right before stepping into house
“Big Brother” player Levi Banks explains pulling himself off season 28 right before stepping into house
Dalton RossThu, July 9, 2026 at 11:30 PM UTC
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Levi BanksCredit: Levi Banks/InstagramKey Points -
Levi Banks was supposed to compete on season 28 of Big Brother but pulled himself off the show shortly before entering the house.
Levi took to social media to explain why he decided against playing at the last minute.
The season premieres tonight without him.
Big Brother’s motto to players and viewers alike is to expect the unexpected. However, it was producers who were thrown for a loop when one of its contestants for season 28 (which premieres tonight on CBS) pulled himself from the show shortly before entering the house. And he has now explained his decision to leave on social media.
Levi Banks took to his Instagram to address rumors he was part of the cast and had been replaced last minute by an alternate. But Levi says that he was the one who took himself out of the game, and proceeded to explain why.
“What is up, Big Brother fans?” he begins in the video. “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.”
Levi BanksCredit: Levi Banks/Instagram
He then explains what happened and why he chose to leave the show before filming began. “I was all set and ready to move into the Big Brother house this season, 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.”
He says it was not an easy choice to make. “I kinda wanted to let you know that was probably the hardest decision of my entire life.”
Judging by the enthusiasm shown in the video at being set free, it appears to have been the right one. “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.”
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And while he won’t be playing Big Brother this season, he will be watching. “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!
That would be a reference to Yash Patel, his rumored replacement. A CBS spokesperson confirms to Entertainment Weekly that Levi did indeed choose to leave the show but will not confirm if Yash was his direct replacement as the show kicks off with its season premiere this evening.
Watch Levi’s full statement below.
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on Entertainment Weekly
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
