The family of a Love Island star hit back at online critics and shared personal details about the "amazing person" who "struggles with his emotions".
Jacques O'Neill came under fire recently for not apologising to fellow Islander Paige Thorne during the ITV dating show. On Friday, the ECHO reported that the couple came to blows after the fall out from second villa Casa Amor.
Paige was heartbroken when Casa Amor girl Cheyanne revealed she found "a connection" with Jacques behind Paige's back - and that the pair had been cuddling, kissing and even shared a bed together. After being confronted by Paige, Jacques fought his emotions as he had tears in his eyes too.
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But fans at home thought there was more to the tears. They accused him of crying because he realised he had potentially lost out on any winnings, not because of Paige. Many took to social media to share their thoughts.
Taking to Twitter, Herm said: "Jacques is crying because of the money. You weren’t getting it anyway. #LoveIsland." Another user said: "Tears Jacques he’s crying cause he’s thinking the money is out the bag #loveisland."
However, on Saturday, posting on Jacques O'Neill's Instagram account, a statement was shared that the 23-year-old had been diagnosed with ADHD when he was nine-years-old. According to the NHS, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition that affects people's behaviour and people can seem restless, may have trouble concentrating and may act on impulse.
Posting on his Instagram account, the family statement read: "Jacques was diagnosed with ADHD when he was 9 years old. By no means is this a get out clause for his actions but it is to show that he can fundamentally struggle with his emotions at times.
"He is an amazing person who I’m proud to call my friend/little brother. All the hate thrown towards Jacques doesn’t go to him directly. It comes to his loved ones who have always supported him and not just whilst he is on Love Island.
"Love Island, although real, Is still a show where the producers do have control and we see 45 minutes out of the 1,440 in 24hours. Please be kind."
Many people were quick to show their support as previous Love Island contestant Jake Cornish said: "Hope family and friends all ok" as Robert Wilson said: "Hope family and friends are all ok and are not affected by negativity."
The post brought in dozens of red hearts as fans showed their love. One fan wrote: "Hope his friends and family are all ok", meanwhile another added: "Thank you for sharing, no maybe people will be more understanding."
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