Ex-Big Brother Malta Contestant Takes on Trolls with 'Clapback T-Shirt'
Raisa Camilleri, a former contestant on Big Brother Malta, has boldly responded to criticism regarding her behavior on the show by donning a T-shirt emblazoned with negative comments directed at her during her time in the reality series. This striking move took place during last Sunday’s live episode, where Camilleri showcased a shirt featuring insults and phrases such as "Judas," reflecting the backlash she faced from viewers and fellow contestants alike.
The negative comments on the T-shirt stem from accusations that Camilleri betrayed her fiancé and insinuations about her close friendship with another contestant, Jay Vella. Among the remarks were comments like, "If I was her fiancé, I would think she was cheating," and questions about the status of her wedding plans. Camilleri, a 28-year-old professional in the gaming industry, was evicted from the show a month prior but returned to the live broadcast with a powerful statement against her critics.
The T-shirt is part of a growing trend of "clapback shirts," where individuals, particularly women, take negative remarks and transform them into fashion statements. This trend has been embraced by various high-profile celebrities, including Hailey Bieber and body-positive model Michaela Stark, who have similarly used fashion to reclaim narratives about themselves.
In an interview, Camilleri expressed her surprise at the comments made about her after leaving the show. “When I came out, I never thought they would say this about me. I was really surprised,” she stated. She highlighted the absurdity of the scrutiny surrounding her friendship with Jay, emphasizing that in 2025, it should be normal for a guy and a girl to be friends without suspicion.
Camilleri acknowledged that her friendship with Jay had drawn significant attention, leading to speculation about the nature of their relationship and concerns regarding her fiancé’s feelings. “I am happily engaged to my partner and have been with him for over six years. This experience has made us even stronger, and we know what we have,” she affirmed.
Camilleri recognized the popularity of the show and the heightened attention she received, attributing it to the limited number of popular television programs in Malta. While she understands that people are entitled to their opinions, she condemned the use of abusive language and the involvement of her fiancé in the discussions surrounding her actions on the show. “I understand that people have their opinion and that they have the right to comment, but it doesn’t excuse anyone using abusive language or getting my partner involved either,” she remarked, noting that while she signed up for the show, her fiancé did not.
Despite the negativity, Camilleri chose to embrace the criticism, creating the T-shirt at Zaky’s Stationery in Naxxar. “These comments definitely made me stronger and taught me that you need to be careful with who you trust,” she concluded, turning a challenging experience into a statement of resilience and empowerment.
Raisa Camilleri’s bold response to online trolls through her clapback T-shirt not only highlights the challenges faced by reality TV contestants but also underscores the importance of self-empowerment in the face of criticism. By reclaiming the narrative and using fashion as a form of expression, Camilleri sets an example of resilience and strength, encouraging others to embrace their experiences and stand firm against negativity.