One of the most controversial houseguests in Big Brother history, Russell Kairouz, is speaking out about his time in the Big Brother house. The 24-year-old mixed martial artist was known for his in your face aggressive game play on BB. Russell touted himself as, “the best combination of intelligence, strength, and charisma.”
In a new interview with PEOPLE, Russell speaks out about who has played the best game so far, how a banana slipped him up and why he has no regrets. Below are excerpts from this interview –
Did you really think that you could flip Kevin and have him vote against Natalie?
Yes, I did think I could flip Kevin because I’m a stronger competitor than Natalie and I didn’t see why he wouldn’t have wanted me as an ally because she has not won anything.
Jeff has been solidly in control, but Kevin is coming along as the dark horse. Who has played the best game so far?
So far, Kevin is playing the best game. He’s stayed under the radar and has avoided all conflict.
What’s the singular moment where it all went horribly wrong for you?
There wasn’t a singular moment … I just didn’t win the OTEV Power of Veto … damn banana with Laura’s name on it. My game play was perfect up to that point.
Do you have any regrets about making Ronnie cry, threatening Jeff or verbally abusing Jordan?
Not at all. They all signed on the BB dotted line and knew what they were getting in to when they went into the BB house. If they don’t have a tough skin, that’s not my fault.
You had a noble purpose to win — you wanted to give the money to your parents. Do you think your mom and dad are proud of the way that you treated the women on the show?
I did not separate anyone on the show by race, gender or religion. Everyone was an equal game player in my mind and subject to the same game play from me. Anything that went on during the game was strategy and an attempt to use to my advantage … My persona on the show was a character [and ] in no way a true representation of me. My family is well aware of this.
What would you have done differently?
I would have withheld some information that I knew about people.
Who are you going to stay in contact with? why?
Jessie and Casey. They were my two closest relationships in the house.
You are joining Lydia and Jessie in their love nest that is the Jury house. How prepared are you to be the third wheel?
I’m ready to become the third wheel … I don’t have a strategy on how to manage the next few days, but it’s all good. I’ll be hiding my sweaters for sure.
Did you really think that you could flip Kevin and have him vote against Natalie?
Yes, I did think I could flip Kevin because I’m a stronger competitor than Natalie and I didn’t see why he wouldn’t have wanted me as an ally because she has not won anything.
Jeff has been solidly in control, but Kevin is coming along as the dark horse. Who has played the best game so far?
So far, Kevin is playing the best game. He’s stayed under the radar and has avoided all conflict.
Your mantra seems to be, “Either love me, or hate me.” Did that worked against you in the house, where slipping under the radar is often more effective?
Slipping under the radar only works for some people. My personality and stature … it doesn’t work … not a viable option.
How many people in the house ended up loving you and how many ended up hating you?
I don’t care who loved me, I came to make money … not friends. Having said that, I hold no grudge against anyone.
You told me that your strategy was, “I will charm to get my way. I will flirt with who I think I can get the most out of.” When were you planning on using either one of those?
You’ve seen the show, right? For a moment in time, it worked on Chima. Beyond that, it only worked at the beginning of the game to get Michele on my side.
What’s the singular moment where it all went horribly wrong for you?
There wasn’t a singular moment … I just didn’t win the OTEV Power of Veto … damn banana with Laura’s name on it. My game play was perfect up to that point.
Do you have any regrets about making Ronnie cry, threatening Jeff or verbally abusing Jordan?
Not at all. They all signed on the BB dotted line and knew what they were getting in to when they went into the BB house. If they don’t have a tough skin, that’s not my fault.
You had a noble purpose to win — you wanted to give the money to your parents. Do you think your mom and dad are proud of the way that you treated the women on the show?
I did not separate anyone on the show by race, gender or religion. Everyone was an equal game player in my mind and subject to the same game play from me. Anything that went on during the game was strategy and an attempt to use to my advantage … My persona on the show was a character [and ] in no way a true representation of me. My family is well aware of this.
What would you have done differently?
I would have withheld some information that I knew about people.
Are you going to look Ronnie up and apologize to him and his wife at any point?
It was all part of the game … If they can’t separate true reality from a game, they should not enter the realm of BB where the game revolved around lying, cheating and deceit. I don’t know Ronnie’s wife … My comments were game-play.
Who are you going to stay in contact with? why?
Jessie and Casey. They were my two closest relationships in the house.
What did you learn about yourself in the house?
I learned that I have the ability to act as different characters in a stressful environment while simultaneously playing a game for 56 days, 24-7!
What was with the suits at the eviction ceremonies? You dressed each time like you were going to a funeral. Is that somehow strategy or vanity?
I have my own style … like it or not. I dressed on Thursday the way I did because I knew I was going home and was separating myself from the game.
What is the first thing that comes to mind when you hear “technotronic“?
Moron.
You are joining Lydia and Jessie in their love nest that is the Jury house. How prepared are you to be the third wheel?
I’m ready to become the third wheel … I don’t have a strategy on how to manage the next few days, but it’s all good. I’ll be hiding my sweaters for sure.
