During the episode, Gries is overheard making racist comments about fellow contestant Helen Kim, saying she should "go make rice," and later saying, "I probably look like a squinty Asian right now." She later mocked Asian nail salon workers, saying, "Why you no have boyfriend? It's because you don't want long nail!"

Gries also said how "no one's going to vote for whoever that queer puts up" while addressing gay housemate Andy Herren.

Gries' remarks didn't go unnoticed by her fellow competitors: Howard Overby, an African-American contestant, said, "Even when these comments are made in fun, they're still hurtful and are disrespectful," while Judd Daughtery added, "Does she know we're on TV and you shouldn't say stuff like that?"