While the Shilpa Shetty controversy is generating heated debate, the actress's mother and her publicist addressed the press in Mumbai on Thursday, January 18.

Complete Coverage: The Shilpa controversy

'In the light of recent events in the show Celebrity Big Brother, we are overwhelmed and touched by the outpour of public support for Shilpa -- not just in India, but from across the globe,' Mrs Sunanda Shetty said in a statement.

'Shilpa is a strong individual who continues to make us proud every day. We thank those who are concerned for her and have complete faith in Channel 4 that they will not allow any mistreatment of Shilpa to take place.'

Shilpa's publicist Dale Bhagwagar clarified that the racial insults had not been made to Shilpa's face, and that the actress is not even aware she has been insulted in this way.

Reporters asked why Shilpa's family isn't going to the UK and asking Shilpa to quit the show.

'Initially they also felt the same way,' replied Bhagwagar. 'But then they decided that Shilpa is a strong person, and can handle this situation herself.'