Levi Banks exits Big Brother 28, Yash Patel takes his place

A last-minute casting change marked the launch of "Big Brother" Season 28, as contestant Levi Banks withdrew from the competition just before filming began and did not appear in the season premiere on July 9. The 28-year-old wine executive and model from North Carolina was replaced by Yash Patel, a 24-year-old financial analyst from New Jersey, who joined the cast of 14 houseguests.

Banks addressed his departure in a video posted to Instagram on the day of the premiere, explaining his decision was personal and not influenced by producers. "I was all set and ready to move into the Big Brother house this season, and as we got closer and closer and closer to the move-in day, I just kinda realized that this was not the right fit for me personally," he said. He described it as probably the hardest decision of his life but expressed gratitude for the opportunity, confirming he remains on good terms with CBS and the show's production team.

While a CBS spokesperson confirmed Banks chose to leave, an anonymous production source told some outlets that Banks was pulled from the season at the last second. The network has not commented on the circumstances beyond acknowledging his voluntary...