Love Island has received nearly 800 Ofcom complaints since it began four weeks ago, broadcasting regulators have confirmed.
The dating show has been hit by viewers’ allegations of bullying, while others have shared concerns about the islanders’ age gap romances and mental health.
Hit by numerous controversies over the years, the ITV2 program has received a total of 781 complaints to date.
Complaints: Love Island has received nearly 800 Ofcom complaints since it launched four weeks ago, broadcasting regulators have confirmed
A spokesman for Ofcom told The Daily Star: “Background the main issues were that certain candidates were being bullied; the well-being and mental health of certain participants; the age difference between certain candidates and certain candidates who are given more screen time than others in the main show edit.
In the first week, more than 200 viewers complained about the eight-year age difference between love interests Gemma Owen and Davide Sanclimenti.
Following an episode that aired on June 7, 167 complaints were received about the age difference between Gemma, 19, and Davide, 27.
After they kissed an episode that aired on June 12, Ofcom received a further 93 complaints about the same issue.
What! The dating show has been hit by viewers’ allegations of bullying, while others have shared concerns about the islanders’ age gap romances and mental health
Gemma later addressed the age difference, saying: “It’s not a problem for me at all. I feel like if that were the case, I wouldn’t have wanted to meet you in the first place. And like I said, I’ve talked to guys and I’ve seen guys a lot older than me.
Despite both being amicable adults, fans shared their uneasiness about the couple’s age difference, with some questioning why Davide would choose someone so young.
Viewers expressed their unease at Davide choosing to couple with Michael Owen’s 19-year-old daughter, although it wasn’t clear if he was aware of her age at the time.
Overall Hit by numerous controversies over the years, the ITV2 program has received a total of 781 complaints to date
“Davide moving on with Gemma is just so weird she is literally 8 years younger than you what are you doing?” shared a viewer.
With a second statement: “As someone who was 19 and who was dating a 27-year-old man, I can tell you that there is an age gap issue. At this point, you are in different stages and on different pages. Does Davide know she’s just a teenager?’
“Someone is telling me why #LoveIsland can allow a 19 and a 27 year old to re-mate which is not ok,” asked a third.
While another remarked: “Ewwww I’m sorry but why does Davide want to be coupled with a 19 year old as a 27 year old.”
Just a number? Viewers expressed their unease at Davide, 27, deciding to pursue a relationship with Michael Owen’s 19-year-old daughter, although it’s not clear if he was aware of her age
What is the problem? However, there were some who spoke out in defense of the pairing, arguing that the two were mature, consensual adults
However, there were some who spoke out in defense of the pairing, arguing that the two were mature, consensual adults.
“Why are all these snowflake women raving about the age difference between Gemma and Davide, they’re both of legal age (both over 18) she’s 19 and he’s 27, it’s not like he’s 50 relax and Gemma looks anyway, like she’s 35.” asked one.
With another question from a Love Island fan: Why is everyone so hassled by a 19-year-old and a 27-year-old? They are both consenting adults…”
Gemma has since moved on with Luca Bish, 23.
Elsewhere, viewers also complained about Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu’s treatment after it was branded a “fucking headache” by Jacques.
After she was left by Jay, Jacques said to her: “[He] hooked up with you and he figured out what you are in two days mate fucking headache.’
War of Words: After Ekin-Su spoke about what just happened and expressed her frustration with Jay, Jacques stepped in and called Ekin-Su a “fucking headache”.
Ekin-Su replied, “No, shut up, Jacques. He wants to meet Paige.”
Ekin-Su insisted Jay had continued her, saying, “There’s nothing wrong with people getting to know each other.”
Several unimpressed viewers took to social media to defend Ekin-Su, writing, “Ekin-Su is so obviously being bullied, I’ve had enough of the boys.”
Another said: “Ekin-Su is being bullied in this mansion and it’s being noted.”
A viewer added: “I hate how guys stick together no matter what. Ekin-Su could have earned the karma or whatever, but the boys just ignore her and give Jay a hi-five. Ugh’.
Tension: Fans were unfazed by the boys’ behavior after teaming up against Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu following their row with Jay Younger
Another fan wrote: “I firmly believe that Ekin Su is being bullied in the mansion and I’m not here for that, villain or not, nobody deserves to be alone like this.”
Extensive social measures to support program participants before, during and after filming remain in place.
Leading up to this series, the show’s contributors were offered video training and guidance on inclusive language related to disability, sexuality, race and ethnicity, behaviors and microaggressions.
The inclusion training offered to the islanders before entering the villa consists of talks chaired by Leon Mann MBE, founder of BCOMS (Black Collective of Media in Sport), with the involvement of the DEI (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion) advisor ), Hayley Bennett, and disability specialist Shani Dhanda and broadcaster Sean Fletcher.
These discussions cover topics such as inclusive language, behavior, creating safe spaces and being a good ally.