Full Breakdown
Levi Banks Withdraws from *Big Brother* Season 28
7/10/2026, 5:39:57 PM
Core Event: Contestant Exits Before Filming
Levi Banks announced that he will not participate in Season 28 of CBS’s reality series *Big Brother*. The decision was communicated via an Instagram video posted shortly before the scheduled move-in day. Banks said he realized the show “was not the right fit for me personally,” and confirmed that he is remaining at home in North Carolina. He emphasized that he is on good terms with CBS, the *Big Brother* production, and the other contestants.
Background & Premiere Details
Season 28 is set to premiere on Thursday with a 90-minute special at 8 p.m. ET/PT. The competition will award a $750,000 cash prize to the eventual winner. Following Banks’s departure, Yash Patel has been identified as his apparent replacement in the house. Despite stepping back from the competition, Banks expressed enthusiasm about watching the season from home.
Official Statements & Responses
In his video, Banks thanked viewers for their support and described the opportunity as “very life-changing.” He reiterated his gratitude toward CBS and the *Big Brother* team, noting that his relationship with the network remains positive. While no formal comment from CBS was included in the source, Banks’s own remarks serve as the primary official communication regarding his withdrawal and continued interest in the show.
Verbatim Quotes
- “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 video
- “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.” — Levi Banks, Instagram video
- “I am back home in North Carolina right now. 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.” — Levi Banks, Instagram video
- “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.” — Levi Banks, Instagram video
