Jana Denzel quits The Apprentice after a racism controversy, citing a lack of motivation and personal reasons for his departure.

Jana Denzel, a contestant on the popular BBC reality series The Apprentice, has quit the show amid a scandal that saw him reprimanded for using racially insensitive language.

The incident occurred during a task in which the candidates were tasked with creating a character for a marketing campaign.

Denzel, a Harley Street dentist, reportedly referred to a black person as “coloured,” which triggered an upset reaction from two women on his team. The comment was immediately flagged by his co-stars, leading to a series of discussions with the show’s producers.

The controversy escalated when Denzel was required to undergo diversity training, with producers and team members ensuring that he understood why his words were offensive.

Despite the seriousness of the situation, Denzel’s exit from the show was not immediately linked to the comment by the BBC, who insisted that his decision to leave was unrelated.

Denzel himself stated that he was leaving because he didn’t feel as driven as the other contestants, and that his desire to win the £250,000 investment was not as strong as his peers’.

However, the timing of his departure, which was revealed in an episode aired on February 27, left viewers and fellow contestants puzzled.

Denzel had been one of the leading personalities on the show, but his decision to step down came after the team created and branded a new chocolate Easter egg and pitched it to industry buyers.

Despite his earlier hopes of using Lord Sugar’s investment to expand his business globally, Denzel seemed to have lost his motivation to continue in the competition.

In the boardroom, he told Lord Sugar, “Sorry Lord Sugar, I just wanted to say as well, I’m proud of everyone’s contribution towards this.

I know how much some people want it but I’m going to be honest with you, I’m not sure if I want it as bad as them so I think whether we win or lose, I would like to step away from the process.”

This comment was the first indication that Denzel was contemplating leaving, and his official withdrawal came shortly after. His exit marked him as the fifth contestant to leave the competition during the current season of The Apprentice.

Lord Sugar, after Denzel’s announcement, graciously accepted his decision, stating, “It’s been a pleasure having you here… you seem like a stand-up fellow and I wish you well.”

After his departure, a spokesperson for The Apprentice confirmed that they had been made aware of the comment Denzel made during the process.

The producers emphasized that they had taken action by requiring him to undergo training, but insisted that there was no ill intent behind his words. They also confirmed that Denzel had voluntarily withdrawn from the competition for personal reasons.

While Denzel was reportedly remorseful for his comment, the producers maintained that the issue had been resolved and expressed their full support for him following his exit.

In a heartfelt statement after his departure, Denzel reflected on his time on the show, saying, “I had an incredible experience on the show, but after much deliberation, I realized it wasn’t the right path for me.

Regardless of the outcome of the task, I had already made the decision to step away as I didn’t feel it was right for me to continue when there were so many talented candidates who wanted it more than I did.

My business and my family have always been my priority, and I wanted to get back to them.” Denzel also expressed gratitude for the opportunity to participate in the competition, and that he would be supporting the remaining candidates from the sidelines.

Denzel’s family, who were supportive throughout the ordeal, later spoke out in defense of their son. His parents, Veluppilai and Rajes Denzel, emphasized that their son was not racist and that his comment had been a misunderstanding.

“We are from a different culture and maybe he was misunderstood. But I know he did not mean to cause any offence. That is not who he is,” said Veluppilai.

His mother, Rajes, also shared their pride in their son’s accomplishments and explained that they had raised him to be open-minded and accepting of all cultures.

Denzel’s exit from The Apprentice is not the first time a contestant has left the competition before being fired. In previous seasons, other candidates have quit, including Shannon Martin in 2023, who left due to feeling the environment wasn’t right for her.

In a similar vein, Denzel’s departure has led some to believe that he may have chosen to step away rather than face the embarrassment of a potential firing, given the growing tension and the impact of the racism controversy on the atmosphere within the show.

Denzel’s background as a cosmetic dentist with a clientele that includes A-list stars and Grammy award-winning musicians added to his appeal on the show, but his exit has certainly raised questions about his readiness to continue in such a high-pressure environment.

As the show progresses, Denzel’s departure has left a significant gap, and his decision to leave may shape the dynamic among the remaining candidates, who will now compete even more fiercely for Lord Sugar’s £250,000 investment.

While The Apprentice continues, the fallout from Denzel’s exit will likely spark further discussions about diversity, language, and accountability, not only within the show but across the wider public discourse.

As Denzel moves on from the show, he remains focused on growing his dental practice and supporting his family.

His controversial comment and decision to leave have left many viewers reflecting on the pressures of reality television and the challenges that contestants face when navigating both their personal beliefs and public scrutiny.