AceShowbiz - Levi Banks withdrew from Big Brother season 28 shortly before filming began and did not appear in the July 9 premiere. He was replaced by Yash Patel, a financial analyst from New Jersey, who joined the cast as one of the 14 houseguests.

Banks, a 28-year-old wine executive and model from North Carolina, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to be part of the show and confirmed his decision to leave was his own, not influenced by producers. He remains on good terms with CBS and the show's production team despite stepping away at the last minute.

In a video posted on Instagram the same day the season premiered, Banks explained that he realized the show was not the right fit for him personally as move-in day approached. He described the choice as very difficult but said he is excited to watch the season from home.

Big Brother season 28 launched with a Time Trip theme, featuring players immersed in different historical eras through themed rooms and challenges. The new cast includes a range of personalities such as an MMA fighter, a game show host, a drag queen from Drag Race, and Survivor contestant Rick Devens.

The departure of Banks and his replacement by Patel came as the series kicked off its 28th season, marking a notable last-minute change to the lineup. Banks’ decision highlights the personal considerations contestants weigh before committing to the intense social experiment that Big Brother represents.