Overview
- Levi Banks withdrew from Season 28 just hours before the July 9 premiere after completing pre‑season portrait shoots and sequestering.
- Banks posted an Instagram video saying he chose to leave, that he is on good terms with CBS, and that he is thankful for the opportunity.
- CBS confirmed to reporters that Banks opted out and production moved an alternate, Yash Patel, onto the official cast list in his place.
- Viewers saw the season premiere with 14 houseguests on July 9 and producers said additional surprise entrants will be revealed on air.
- The switch highlights how Big Brother uses sequestering and stand‑by alternates to manage late departures and it prompted fan scrutiny after early promotional materials showed a different lineup.