11/03/2025
When fame overrides decency: The legal and moral crisis of Housemates Salone
By Alhaji Koroma
Sierra Leone’s entertainment industry has witnessed remarkable growth over the past decade, offering new platforms for youth creativity and self-expression. Yet, this growth has come with controversy -none more troubling than the recurring incidents of public indecency in Housemates Salone, the country’s leading reality television show.
The latest edition, Housemates Salone Season 4, shocked audiences when contestants were seen engaging in sexual acts live on camera. This is not the first time such explicit scenes have been broadcast, but it is arguably the most blatant -raising urgent questions about morality, media regulation, and the rule of law.
Beyond public outrage, these incidents carry clear legal implications. Sierra Leone’s Public Order Act of 1965 and the Sexual Offences Act of 2012 (as amended in 2019) both contain provisions that criminalize acts of indecent exposure and obscene publication. Section 26 of the Public Order Act prohibits the publication or display of obscene materials, whether in print, film, or broadcast, defining them as anything “likely to deprave or corrupt those exposed to it.” Under the Sexual Offences Act (2012), Section 14 states that “a person who intentionally exposes his or her ge****ls with the intention of letting someone other than a consenting person see them commits the offence of indecent exposure,” punishable by a fine or imprisonment. Furthermore, the Independent Media Commission (IMC) Code of Practice requires all broadcasters to “preserve and promote the nation’s culture and values” and to ensure that programs “do not offend public morality or decency.”
By airing sexually explicit content to a general audience, Housemates Salone appears to have violated not only the spirit but also the letter of these laws. These are not subjective moral concerns -they are clear legal standards designed to protect the public, particularly minors, from exposure to indecent material.
Defenders of the show may argue that reality television mirrors real life and should not be censored. However, freedom of expression must coexist with responsibility. Even in countries with more liberal media environments, sexual acts are subject to strict broadcasting regulations to protect the public interest and maintain ethical standards. In Sierra Leone, where access to such content is largely unfiltered and family viewing is common, the absence of regulation is particularly harmful.
The failure of oversight bodies to act decisively is equally troubling. The IMC has the authority to sanction broadcasters that violate national content standards -including fines, suspensions, or license revocations. Yet despite repeated public complaints and heated online debate, no meaningful penalties or public warnings have been issued. This silence emboldens content producers to continue pushing the boundaries for the sake of ratings. It also undermines public trust in institutions that are supposed to safeguard cultural integrity and enforce accountability in media.
Sierra Leone remains a culturally conservative nation, where moral standards are deeply rooted in religious and traditional values. Freedom of expression -while essential in a democracy -must coexist with social responsibility. When young viewers see sexual acts normalized on national television, it distorts their understanding of respect, dignity, and ambition. Entertainment should inspire, not corrupt. Our creative industry can thrive without sacrificing its moral compass. Producers, regulators, and sponsors all share a duty to ensure that what appears on screen reflects the dignity and decency of the Sierra Leonean people.
To restore credibility, regulators must enforce existing laws without fear or favor. The IMC should immediately review Housemates Salone’s content and impose sanctions if violations are confirmed. Meanwhile, producers must implement stricter house rules and contestant guidelines to prevent similar incidents.
Sierra Leone’s entertainment sector stands at a crossroads. It can either pursue fleeting fame through controversy or build a legacy of responsible creativity that uplifts the nation. The decision will determine not just the direction of our media -but the moral tone of our society.
Sierra Leone’s entertainment industry has witnessed remarkable growth over the past decade, offering new platforms for youth creativity and self-expression. Yet, this growth has come with controversy -none more troubling than the recurring incidents of public indecency in Housemates Salone, the co...
