The almost reality TV star addresses his decision to leave: “That was probably the hardest decision of my entire life.”

Big Brother player Levi Banks explains pulling himself off season 28 right before stepping into the house

The almost reality TV star addresses his decision to leave: “That was probably the hardest decision of my entire life.”

By Dalton Ross

Dalton Ross is a writer and editor with over 25 years experience covering TV and the entertainment industry. *Survivor* is kind of his thing.

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July 9, 2026 7:30 p.m. ET

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Levi Banks. Credit:

Levi Banks/Instagram

- Levi Banks was supposed to compete on season 28 of *Big Brother* but pulled himself off the show shortly before entering the house.

- Levi took to social media to explain why he decided against playing at the last minute.

- The season premieres tonight without him.

*Big Brother*’s motto to players and viewers alike is to expect the unexpected. But it was producers who were thrown for a loop when one of the contestants for season 28 (which premieres tonight on CBS) pulled himself from the show shortly before entering the house. And he has now explained his decision to leave on social media.

Levi Banks took to Instagram to address rumors that he had been part of the cast and was replaced at the last minute by an alternate. According to Levi, *he* was the one who took himself out of the game.

“What is up, *Big Brother* fans?” he begins in the video. “My name is Levi Banks and I just wanted to give you all a quick update and to let you know that I am doing great.”

Levi Banks/Instagram

He then explains what happened and why he chose to leave the show before filming began. “I was all set and ready to move into the *Big Brother* house this season,” he says, “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 adds that it was not an easy choice: “I kinda wanted to let you know that was probably the hardest decision of my entire life.”

Judging by the enthusiasm shown in the video at being set free, it appears to have been the right one. “I am back home in North Carolina right now,” Levi explains. “And I am on good terms with CBS, *Big Brother*, and everyone, and I just wanted to let them know and you all know that I am so, so, so thankful for this opportunity. It has been very life-changing.”

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And while he won’t be playing *Big Brother *this season, he will be watching. “I am so freaking excited to watch the show tonight,” he gushes. “Oh my gosh, I am pumped! It’s gonna be a little bit of a different POV than going in the house as to being in my couch, so I will take that one thing at a time. But I want to say thank you all so much for your support. I appreciate each and every one of you, and let’s go Yash!

That would be a reference to Yash Patel, his rumored replacement. A CBS spokesperson confirms to ** that Levi did indeed choose to leave the show but would not confirm if Yash was his direct replacement, as the show kicks off with its season premiere this evening.

Watch Levi’s full statement above.

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Source: “EW Big”