UK domestic abuse charity Women’s Aid has been in touch with broadcaster ITV about troubling behaviours presented in the latest season of Love Island UK.
**Content warning: The following article discusses issues pertaining to domestic abuse and may be distressing for some readers.
On July 19, the organisation took to Instagram with a statement from communications chief Theresa Parker.
The post described the “stream of Twitter posts” they’ve been tagged in about the “misogyny and controlling behaviour” depicted in Love Island UK 2022, specifically by the male contestants.
“Following heightened backlash after a recent episode, we are happy to be in discussions with ITV [and] Love Island about how we can work together moving forward,” the post read.
Theresa also suggested the hit series lacks “guidelines on what behaviour is acceptable and unacceptable in those relationships”.
Which Love Island UK Contestants Have Come Under Scrutiny for Their Behaviour?
Theresa said that the solution comes from “more than talking about any individual contestants”. However, fans have recently turned on fan-favourite Luca Bish for “gaslighting” partner Gemma Owen.
Despite the dressage rider reassuring Luca that her loyalty lies with him, the fish monger repeatedly berated Gemma for allegedly “flirting” with co-star Billy Brown.
Taking to Twitter, viewers voiced their concern over the 23-year-old’s behaviour.
Luca trying to gaslight a 19 year old girl into thinking speaking with another guy is wrong is next level pathetic #loveisland #DoBetter
— Truthfullyours (@Truthfullyours2) July 17, 2022
Honeslty think Luca is the worst guy they’ve had on here, the double standards are insane, the way he tries to gaslight Gemma and the way he talks about Tasha and Ekin is just disturbing tbh #LoveIsland
— 𝐂𝐡𝐥𝐨 (@_chloedaniels) July 18, 2022
Luca’s family has since responded to the criticism via his social media, stating that the Brighton local will be “embarrassed and deeply apologetic” when he watches the show back.
Similarly, Dami Hope has been slammed for undermining Casa Amor bombshell Summer Botwe and calling her “fake”.
Meanwhile, Italian favourite Davide Sanclimenti is facing a fall from grace for repeatedly dubbing Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu a “liar” amid their many fiery stoushes.
This Is Not the First Time Women’s Rights and Protection Advocates Have Slammed Love Island UK
Another domestic abuse charity, Refuge, also Tweeted about the contestants’ “problematic” behaviour.
“The double standards, gaslighting and coercive control being displayed by the men in the villa is hugely problematic,” they penned.
The misogyny and casual sexism witnessed on this series of #LoveIsland is extremely concerning. The double standards, gaslighting and coercive control being displayed by the men in the villa is hugely problematic.https://t.co/iUNKcUXpnG
— Refuge (@RefugeCharity) July 18, 2022
Women’s Aid has previously called out the show, too.
In 2018, the organisation found that Adam Collard displayed “emotionally abusive” tendencies towards his love interest Rosie Williams.
At the time, Women’s Aid’s Katie Ghose said there were “clear warning signs” surrounding the then 22-year-old.
“A partner questioning your memory, trivialising thoughts or feelings and turning things around to blame you can be part of a pattern of emotional abuse,” she said.
As such, fans were fuming when the Geordie man was brought back as a bombshell this year.
Calling on Women’s Aid’s stance, a viewer penned online: “Not Love Island proving to us once again that misogyny PAYS by bringing back Adam Collard.
“The man so problematic that Women’s Aid had to write a statement on his abusive behaviour the last time he was on national tv…”
At the time of writing, the now 26-year-old is paired up with Welsh paramedic, Paige Thorne.
If you or anyone you know is struggling and needs support, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or Lifeline on 13 11 14, both of which provide trained counsellors you can talk with 24/7. You can also talk to someone from 1800RESPECT via online chat. If you are in immediate danger, call 000.
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