Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh Live
Entertainment
Abbie Meehan

Love Island receives 3,600 Ofcom complaints in just one week due to 'bullying' allegations

Broadcasting watchdog Ofcom has received over 3,600 complaints in just one week, all about ITV2 show Love Island.

The company has garnered 3,617 complaints about the popular dating programme, with the majority surrounding the alleged misogynistic behaviour and bullying faced by some of the islanders.

This has followed the Movie Night that has been so sought after on the newest season, where the contestants watched footage of their couples being unfaithful or rude in the different villa.

READ MORE — Edinburgh property: Inside the majestic townhouse on the market for nearly £2 million

The BBC has reported that domestic abuse charity Woman's Aid confirmed they had spoken to ITV about the "misogynistic behaviour" on the show.

ITV has put out a statement saying that they did not "condone trolling", after social media went wild following the Movie Night on Love Island.

There has been beef between Luca and his couple Gemma, who was "being too friendly" with new boy Billy. Davide and Ekin-Su were also on the rocks after footage of her emerged from Casa Amor.

Luca's family released a statement on his Instagram in response to criticism, saying "when he watches it back, he will be embarrassed and deeply apologetic".

Broadcasting watchdog Ofcom said it was "assessing the complaints against our broadcasting rules, but are yet to decide whether or not to investigate".

Ofcom also received complaints about Sunday's spin-off show Aftersun, with the majority relating to comments made about Ekin-Su and the treatment of ex-islander Jacques during his interview, with the show's host Laura Whitmore.

Ofcom said the complainants "were primarily concerned about his wellbeing, given his demeanour in the interview".

Responding to the complaints, ITV said: "Laura is the presenter of the show, and part of that role is to pose questions to the panel and discuss events in the villa.

"We do not condone trolling against either our host or our islanders and any subsequent elevation of these comments."

ITV also stated that there were "various measures in place to ensure Jacques's welfare was prioritised at all times." Jacques was also involved in a full briefing with ITV bosses to "outline the show's content and likely questioning".

ITV also added: "Should an islander not wish to participate in the Aftersun recording, we would always respect that decision."

In terms of the complaints, a total of 2,481 were made about Sunday's movie night episode relating to alleged misogynistic behaviour by some of the male contestants.

An additional 427 complaints were made about Aftersun, which aired straight after the main programme.

And another 413 people complained about alleged bullying and misogynistic behaviour from some of the male contestants on Monday's episode.

The episode on Friday last week prompted 167 complaints, the majority relating to footage of Ekin-Su and bombshell George during Casa Amor.

And finally, 129 complaints were also made about the 12 July episode, with the majority relating to former contestant Adam re-entering the villa and Jacques's well-being in the lead up to and during his departure.

Love Island resumes on Thursday, July 21 at 9pm on ITV2. Episodes are also available for catch up on the ITV Hub.

READ NEXT:

Love Island's bathroom break secrets disclosed by former islander on TikTok

Outlander author Diana Gabaldon confirms she is coming to Edinburgh this summer

Edinburgh weather: When will heatwave end as temperatures to hit 24C

Lorraine Kelly tests positive for Covid-19 as Carol Vorderman fills in on ITV show

Edinburgh Love Island star Jay slammed as 'fake' after surprising confession

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.