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The creators of Love Island have faced a lawsuit over claims that female participants are being coerced into intimate situations, besides allegations of mistreatment towards black contestants on the US edition of the show.
ITV and NBCUniversal, the producers of Love Island USA, also faced accusations from former employees that participants were mistreated during the fourth season of the reality TV show.
Extensive measures, such as drug tests, social media screenings, and evaluations of physical and mental health, were implemented as part of the screening process for potential cast members.
Here are five controversies that threatened the show over the past few seasons.
5 most controversial Love Island moments over the years
1. Repeated acts of racism
In Season 5 of Love Island, viewers were puzzled when Sherif Lanre suddenly vanished from the show. He was asked to leave by producers due to breaking villa rules. Lanre and the producers had discussions, resulting in a mutual agreement for his departure.
Months after his departure, Lanre admitted in an interview with The Sun that he accidentally kicked Molly-Mae Hague in the groin during play fighting but she was not injured. The next day, producers told him he had violated the rules of conduct, leading to his immediate removal. Lanre criticized the treatment, alleging unconscious racism and sexism, and spoke out against producers allegedly making his life difficult.
2. Constant disrespect by Jacques O'Neill
Jacques O'Neill's behavior on the show raised concerns as he spoke rudely to Paige Thorne, which his family attributed to ADHD. However, controversy continued to follow him as former contestant Remi Lambert accused O'Neill and Luca Bish of bullying him in the villa and online.
Lambert cited derogatory comments about his appearance and speech, leading to a decision to stop speaking with O'Neill. Despite an attempted apology, the snide comments continued.
Following Remi Lambert's accusations, Jacques O'Neill issued a general apology on his Instagram story, expressing remorse for any hurt caused to others and pledging to continue working on himself.
3. Constant bullying by contestants
In a less diverse villa, Finni struggled, got dumped in nine days, and faced post-show mistreatment. Men from her season made derogatory comments about her on Instagram, prompting Finni to condemn the disrespect and express regret.
In Season 8, Luca Bish and Dami Hope repeatedly targeted Tasha Ghouri, who is deaf. Ghouri faced insults and pies when she was labeled a gameplayer. She broke down in tears, which showed the impact of the insults.
4. Producers did not take mental health seriously
The isolated villa environment, without phones or outside contact, raised questions about the stress faced by contestants. Some participants have shared the challenges of life after the show.
Former contestants like Paul Knops and Coco Lodge have opened up about the anxiety and stress they experienced on Love Island. Knops highlighted the challenge of dealing with issues alone, while Lodge's father reached out to producers due to concerns about her mental health and portrayal on the show.
In another incident, former contestant Niall Aslam, who openly discussed being autistic, criticized producers for inadequate care in the villa, leading to a "psychotic episode." His post-show experience included a battle with depression.
5. Contestants Experienced Sexual Harassment
In a scene with Molly-Mae Hague's partner Tommy Fury, Maura Higgins attempted to kiss him goodnight. Fury dodged her advances, suggesting she kiss him on the cheek instead.
The episode sparked controversy as over 700 viewers complained to Ofcom, describing Maura Higgins' actions as sexual harassment. Ofcom dismissed the complaints, considering the context of Maura and Tommy's relationship, both before and after the incident.
Final Thoughts
While Love Island has consistently entertained viewers, recent controversies have brought backlash and negative attention. Despite producers promising changes for both viewers and contestants, viewers still wait for the transformation, leaving the show's future direction uncertain.
To witness the drama unfold, catch Season 9 of Love Island UK on ITV2 and ITVX at 9:00 pm GMT/4:00 pm ET.
