Love Island's most complained moments – Bullying row, misogyny and age-gap romance

Love Island has received more than 5,000 Ofcom complaints during this year’s series.

Several allegations were made to the broadcasting regulator by viewers who were concerned with “misogynistic behaviour” demonstrated by some of the boys, claims of “bullying,” and Laura Whitmore’s “s***-shaming” comments about Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu.

The most complaints came after Movie Night which saw Luca Bish explode at partner Gemma Owen after clips were played of her and Billy Brown “flirting”.

More than 1,500 complaints followed the Snog, Marry, Pie, challenge where viewers expressed concern over the boys’ treatment of Tasha Ghouri.

As season eight has come to an end, Daily Star has rounded up the moments that have sparked the most controversy across the series.

Movie Night – 2,648

Movie Night was hit with more than 2,500 complaints after viewers believed “misogynistic and controlling” behaviour was being demonstrated by some of the boys.

The episodes, which aired on July 15 and concluded on July 17, featured the girls and boys sitting down to watch clips of what their partners got up to while they were in Casa Amor.

The challenge has become a catalyst in causing tension between the couples and this year was no different.

The highest amount of complaints stemmed from Luca, 23, when he got into a heated exchange with Gemma, 19, after he was shown a clip of the brunette bombshell allegedly flirting with Billy, 23.

In the mind-blowing scenes, Luca slammed Gemma, saying: “You were f***ing flirting! And I was made out to look like an idiot for it.”

He continued ranting to the boys: “Trust me when I say, if she wants to f***ing play games with me, I’ll play. I can’t be with someone like that, I’m sorry.”

After tuning into the first instalment of Movie Night, 167 viewers complained when footage was shown of Ekin-Su in bed with George Tasker.

Davide Sanclimenti branded the Turkish actress a “liar” after the clip was shown as she claimed “nothing happened”.

To add to the slew of complaints, Ofcom was bombarded with 413 protests about “bullying and misogynistic behaviour from some of the male contestants” during a group game of dares.

During the Suck and Blow challenge, it looked as though Tasha was being targeted by Luca and Dami Hope as they heavily criticised her behaviour towards her relationship with Andrew Le Page.

Luca chose Tasha when he was asked to choose the islander who is with their partner just to win the competition, while Dami went for Andrew when he was asked to rub the feet of the islander who has been walked over the most.

Snog, Marry, Pie – 1,509

Love Island was hit with an influx of Ofcom complaints following the Snog, Marry, Pie challenge.

Just a few days after Movie Night, more than 1,500 complaints were made following the challenge in which Tasha appeared to be targeted once again.

A spokesperson for Ofcom said: “On July 19 the majority of complaints were about alleged misogynistic behaviour from the male islanders towards the female islanders, including in the aftermath of the Snog, Marry, Pie challenge.

The challenge saw Luca and Dami both choose to pie Tasha after the pair had already aired their opinions on their fellow co-star – prompting viewers to accuse them of bullying.

Davide Sanclimenti also pied Tasha in the challenge, but his response was because Tasha had called he and Ekin-Su the “fakest couple”, with Tasha expecting the pie from him.

However, Luca and Dami’s decision followed a number of swipes in Tasha’s direction, with Dami confessing he pied her because she usually “gets away with a lot of stuff” while Luca said: “I could give you a list, [of reasons] but I’ll let it go for today.”

Tasha was left in tears after the challenge, with fellow islanders agreeing the two boys took it “too far”.

While the lads apologised to Tasha for their behaviour, they received heavy criticism from the public, including Gemma’s mum who said their treatment of Tasha was “close to bullying”.

Aftersun – 427

Love Island: Aftersun was slapped with 427 complaints after Laura Whitmore’s “s***-shaming” comments about Ekin-Su and the treatment of Jacques O’Neill.

Speaking about Ekin’s antics with George in Casa Amor, Laura said: “Once again Ekin-Su swore that nothing happened with George and it seems Davide doesn’t believe her.”

“It defo happened though didn’t it?” asked Tom Grennan.

While comedian Darren Harriott chimed in: “She said her head never turned but I think her hand might have turned, and possibly wrist.”

What enraged fans the most was that it seemed Laura was encouraging the discussion, prompting several to accuse her of “s***-shaming.”

Meanwhile, others complained over the treatment of Jacques O’Neil who had opted to leave the villa after he’d “struggled” with his mental health.

Jacques appeared on Aftersun shortly after his departure and was shown clips of his ex-partner Paige Thorne sharing her first kiss with Adam Collard.

Fans complained it was unfair of Laura and co to openly discuss the kiss in front of Jacques, with many labelling it “cruel” and “dangerous” for his mental health.

Age gap – 260

The show was hit with more than 780 complaints in the first four weeks, with more than 200 of those coming from concern over the eight year age gap between Davide, 27, and 19-year-old Gemma.

After Davide chose to couple up with Gemma , Love Island viewers claimed them being together “did not sit right” with them and made them feel “uncomfortable”.

The episode racked up 167 Ofcom complaints which was followed by a further 93 complaints after the pair shared their first kiss on June 12.

Addressing the notable age gap, Gemma said: “It’s not an issue for me at all. I feel like if it was, I wouldn’t have wanted to get to know you in the first place. And as I’ve said, I’ve been speaking to guys and seeing guys who are much older than me.”

Adam Collard’s return – 129

129 complaints were made on July 12 when it was revealed Adam Collard would be re-entering the villa.

The personal trainer, 26, first appeared on the show back in 2018 which was won by Jack Fincham and Dani Dyer.

His behaviour during season five sparked controversy after he was accused of “gaslighting” and was the reason behind domestic abuse charity Women’s Aid contacting the show.

Adam was heavily criticised for his treatment of then partner Rosie Williams, with many branding him “a narcissist and sociopath” after he smirked as she broke down in tears during a confrontation.

Katie Ghose, Chief Executive of Women’s Aid, said at the time: “On the latest series of Love Island, there are clear warning signs in Adam’s behaviour.

“In a relationship, a partner questioning your memory of events, trivialising your thoughts or feelings, and turning things around to blame you can be part of pattern of gaslighting and emotional abuse.

“Last night, Rosie called out Adam’s unacceptable behaviour on the show. We ask viewers to join her in recognising unhealthy behaviour in relationships and speaking out against all forms of domestic abuse – emotional as well as physical.

“It is only when we make a stand together against abuse in relationships that we will see attitudes change and an end to domestic abuse.”

The charity then issued a warning to ITV once again after they learnt of his return, saying: “‘We hope that ITV recognise how serious this issue is and that it must be learned from, considering they have asked Adam to return to the show.”

Bullying – 75

Seventy-five Ofcom complaints were received in response to the treatment of Ekin-Su which aired on June 23.

Viewers accused the boys of “bullying” the bombshell after they “ganged up on her” after her argument with Jay Younger.

The explosive argument began when Jay told Ekin-Su he wanted to get to know Paige.

Despite taking the news well at first, an enraged Ekin-Su was later fuming with the Scottish hunk for leading her on.

As she approached other islanders in the kitchen, Jacques told her: “He coupled up with you and found out what you are in two days mate, a f*****g headache.”

Ekin-Su replied: “No, shut up Jacques. He wants to get to know Paige.”

Jacques hit back: “He’s getting to know people, why can’t people get to know each other?”

The actress said Jay had led her on, saying: “There’s nothing wrong with people getting to know each other.”

A frustrated Dami could be heard complaining: “Oh my God,” as Ekin-Su insisted: “What is muggy is holding my hand, cuddling me for a week.”

Luca then shook Jay’s hand, saying: “Jay, welcome to the doghouse,’ and shook his hand.

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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk