Voters failed to oust Marcelo Dourado in Big Brother Brazil voting Tuesday. The favored character has come under fire for antigay statements including his on-air assertion that AIDS only affects gay men.

Despite his remarks, extreme controversy seemed to exist among Brazilian audiences about whether Dourado should be considered homophobic. Made In Brazil, which called for Dourado to be ousted, acknowledged this point and tried to look for the silver lining.

“Regardless if you consider Dourado's behavior homophobic or not, this would certainly be a good time to start questioning what is actually appropriate for television, and the social role television plays when it comes to advances in gay rights,” wrote the website.

In a record large vote Tuesday, the lesbian contestant Angélica was eliminated.