Gries quickly became highly talked about during the show's 15th season, but not for good reason.
During an episode, Gries was overheard making racist comments about fellow contestant Helen Kim, saying she should "go make rice," and later saying, "I probably look like a squinty Asian right now." She later mocked Asian nail salon workers, saying, "Why you no have boyfriend? It's because you don't want long nail!"
Gries also said how "no one's going to vote for whoever that queer puts up" while addressing gay housemate Andy Herren.
After fans expressed outrage over Gries and the other houseguests' use of racial slurs, CBS released a statement saying their remarks were "not condoned" by the network.