The family of Love Island star Jacques O'Neill have revealed the Islander was diagnosed with ADHD as a child, after fans slammed his behaviour towards Paige Thorne.
They have pleaded with viewers to "be kind" after revealing the former professional rugby player was diagnosed when he was nine-years-old.
Jacques, 23, came under fire from fans after he kissed Cheyanne Kerr in Casa Amor, which was highlighted during Thursday night's explosive recoupling.
Paige, 24, learnt of his behaviour with new girl Cheyanne as she questioned Jacques: "What the f*** were you doing?".
A devastated Paige was in floods of tears as she learned Jacques had kissed and shared a bed with Cheyanne, while she had stayed loyal throughout their time apart.
He then failed to apologise to loyal Paige afterwards – instead explaining to Paige that he wanted to 'test himself'.
Some fans believed Jacques could be leaving the Love Island villa for good after he was seen sobbing in a preview clip, while others took to social media to slam the rugby player for his behaviour.
Posting on a group pic on his Facebook feed, one fan said: "So he's strayed [in the villa]!!! Big surprise... not."
Another added: "Poor Paige, changed my thought on him now." A third posted: "Gemma was right about him he's not to be trusted!!!"
While a fourth added: "Think he's lost Luca's respect... And the Nation... Why Jacques?"
Taking to his Instagram, Jacques' big sister who is running his account – which now boasts over 385,000 followers – said: "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 1440 in 24hours."
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According to the NHS, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a behavioural condition defined by inattentiveness, hyperactivity and impulsiveness.
Symptoms typically appear at an early age and become more noticeable as a child grows. These can also include: Constant fidgeting, poor concentration, excessive movement or talking and acting without thinking – which could explain Jacques' actions.
Following Jacques' sister's revelation, fans have shared their support and understanding as one replied: "Hope family and friends are all ok and are not affected by negativity."
Another added: "I love them just wish he didn't do what he did - his gonna have to fight for Paige big time xx sending love to him and family."
A third said: "Well said, my son has ADHD as well as Tourettes and both are very misunderstood by majority of people."
But, oe viewer has hit back at the family, calling them "enablers of his behaviour".
They tweeted: "Jacques' family are enablers of his behaviour. I commented I didn't realise misogyny was a symptom of ADHD and they blocked me.
"He shows a consistent pattern of abusive and predatory behaviour and using a highly stigmatised disability to excuse it is disgusting."
Another agreed: "Jacques family attempted damage control by Googling ADHD and screenshotting the first paragraph from the first website they saw come up and posted it onto Jacques Instagram.
"Sorry no. Having ADHD and being a nice person can coincide together so what’s Jacques excuse?"
Love Island airs every night at 9pm on ITV2 and ITV Hub.
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