Love Island spin-off show Aftersun sparked 427 complaints at Ofcom for last week’s episode, citing Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu’s “slut-shaming” and the treatment of Jacques O’Neill in his interview.
Presenter Laura Whitmore and Aftersun producers have come under fire on social media for guests’ comments on Ekin-Su and George Tasker’s flirting at Casa Amor.
The show’s treatment of Jacques – who has openly spoken about leaving the series to protect his sanity – has also been criticized after he was shown videos of his ex-partner Paige Thorne kissing Adam Collard.
Despite Ekin-Su, 27, repeatedly insisting that nothing happened between her and George at Casa Amor, Laura brought up the issue on Aftersun and then brokered a conversation between the guest panelists.
Backlash: The Love Island spin-off show Aftersun sparked 427 complaints to Ofcom for last week’s episode, citing Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu’s “slut-shaming” and the treatment of Jacques O’Neill
Laura said: “Ekin-Su has vowed once again that nothing happened to George and it seems Davide doesn’t believe her.”
As Laura burst out laughing, Tom Grennan exclaimed, “It definitely happened, didn’t it?”
Darren Harriott continued: “She said her head never turned, but I think her hand might have turned, and possibly her wrist.”
Instead of closing the comments, some viewers were disappointed to see Laura continue the conversation and reached out to Sian Welby for her opinion.
Hot water: Presenter Laura Whitmore and Aftersun producers came under fire on social media for guests’ comments on Ekin-Su and George Tasker’s flirting at Casa Amor
Criticism: The show’s handling of Jacques – who has spoken openly about leaving the series to protect his mental health – has also been criticized
This angered fans, who argued that the guests would “shame slut” Ekin-Su and pass it off as “banter,” with Laura being criticized for “encouraging” the comments.
One viewer tweeted: “It’s shameful that a national network has so little awareness and normalizes sexism. Especially aftersun was a shame tonight.’
Another pointed out: “Laura also cried ‘feminism’ when people said she only got the Love Island/Aftersun job because her husband does the voiceover but encouraged everyone to basically slut shame, ekin su…? white women”.
A third reiterated: “Let’s face it the producers aren’t going to get her to apologize to Ekin Su when they basically have Laura Whitmore as a bitch shaming her on Aftersun.”
Panel discussion: Despite Ekin-Su, 27, repeatedly insisting that nothing had happened, Laura brought up the issue on Aftersun and then brokered a conversation between the guest panellists
This angered fans, who argued that Laura and guests would “shame slut” Ekin-Su and pass it off as “banter.”
A fourth said: “Appalled at @LoveIsland after the sun @thewhitmore fueling the situation around Ekin Su & George in such a misogynist way.
“It’s not entertaining when you make up shit for ‘views.’ Don’t you remember Caroline Flack, Sophie, Mike? #loveisland great stuff’
Others called Jacques’ interview “cruel” and said it was dangerous for his mental health to force him to watch clips of Paige and Adam after the ex-Islander said he couldn’t watch the show.
Harmful: Others called the interview with Jacques “cruel” and said that forcing him to watch clips of Paige and Adam was dangerous to his mental health
One argued: “No sorry the interview with Jacques on the Aftersun was just cruel I could see in his eyes how hurt he was but show videos of Paige and Adam and then play him his ‘best tunes’ before, but show him how he cries at the bottom when he’s gone’.
A second chimed in, adding: “The way Laura acts like Jacques didn’t have a nervous breakdown on the show and acts like he didn’t come out to say how awful the experience was, is heartbreaking. She is so wrong and literally has no empathy #LoveIsland #aftersun’.
And a third said: “How did these producers make Jacques THAT Aftersun when they found out Paige kissed Adam live? AFTER LEAVING FOR HIS MENTAL HEALTH #loveisland #aftersun’.
While a fourth said: “This Jacques situation is being handled extremely poorly, Laura is not qualified PLEASE let him rest and recover. I mean, damn it, if I can know that, I’m sure a whole team can.
Complaints: Several announced that they intended to complain to Ofcom about the misogynistic comments and the interview with Jacques
One fan came to Laura and Aftersun’s defense, arguing that Jacques probably wanted to get on the show and that Laura’s questions were “cautious”.
They said: “Everyone says Jacques shouldn’t be with Aftersun, but Laura is careful about her questions and doesn’t make him feel any worse when he clearly already is.”
But several said they intended to complain to Ofcom about the misogynistic comments and the interview with Jacques.
A viewer said: “The fact that ITV finds it really okay to attack Ekin in a misogynist way after the sun on live TV and then bring in Jaques to see times when he’s at his most vulnerable as he previously stated he has none seen the eps but so disgusting of them #LoveIsland.’
Support: A fan came in defense of Laura and Aftersun, arguing that Jacques probably wanted to come on the show and that Laura’s questions were “cautious”.
A second echoed: “Disgusting behaviour, sorry but Love Island posted on Instagram saying be nice but still the presenter and the aftersun show really hate Ekin. Ofcom needs to know about this.’
Another viewer wrote: “I have made 3 complaints to Ofcom tonight – about the gaslighting and misogyny of the men on Love Islands, about Ekin-Su’s aftersun treatment on Love Island and about the fact that after leaving Jacques because of Mental illness is grilled for health reasons. #LoveIsland #Aftersun.’
A fourth argued: “They also choose NOT to believe Ekin Su who says nothing happened. This has become a he-says-she-says situation.
Complaints about Love Island from July 11-17
Love Island, July 12, 129
Most of the complaints concerned Adam’s entry into the villa and Jacques’ well-being before and during his departure from the villa.
Love Island, July 15, 167
Most of the complaints concerned Ekin-Su and George’s recordings during Casa Amor.
Love Island, July 17, 2481
Complaints related to alleged misogynist behavior by some male candidates.
Love Island: Aftersun, July 17, 427
Most of the complaints concerned comments about Ekin-Su and the treatment of Jacques during his interview.
Love Island, July 18, 413
Complaints related to alleged bullying and misogynist behavior by some male candidates.
“And it doesn’t change the fact that Laura Whitmore has decided to promote Ekin Su’s slut-shaming on Aftersun, worthy of an Ofcom complaint #LoveIsland.
Another raged: “Love Island deserves ALL Ofcom complaints about this situation between Ekin Su and George.
“Not just because she didn’t do anything, but because those fools on Aftersun are fueling the fire of Ekin Su’s misogynist hate streak.”
A Love Island spokesman said in a statement to M: “Laura is the presenter of the show and part of that role is to ask the panel questions and discuss events at the villa.
“We do not condone trolling of our host or our islanders, or any subsequent collection of these comments.
“We had taken various measures to ensure that Jacques’ well-being was a priority at all times before and during his appearance on Aftersun.
“This included a full briefing with the show’s producers to outline the show’s content and likely interviews, speaking to Laura before and after the show was taped, and being accompanied by a charity producer and a member of his family while he was in the studio.
“Should an Islander not wish to participate in the Aftersun shoot, we would always respect that choice.”
A spokesman for Laura Whitmore told M: “Laura’s job as the host of Aftersun is to ask questions about what’s happening on the main show.
“That’s all Laura did on this occasion and to suggest otherwise is just unfair and wrong.”
In the past, Laura has resisted criticism of “invasive” surveys about Aftersun.
In the last series, a viewer on her Instagram recalled Laura naming and shaming journalists for asking questions, saying, “When you ask people invasive questions based on tabloid stories because it’s your job…think.” Remember if you’re ashamed of other journalists asking you the same questions because they’re doing too much of their job.’
Defending her actions, Laura said: “I insist that everyone sees the questions before they go on the air and is okay with that. I believe in choice, so never ask without permission…that’s the difference.”
2,481 viewers also complained about “alleged misogynist behavior by some male contestants” during the July 17 episode of Movie Night.
In addition to the 2,481 complaints received for the July 17 episode, a further 427 were received for the next night’s episode, which “related to alleged bullying and misogynist behavior by some male contestants” during a competitive match.
Speak up: In the past, Laura has resisted criticism of her “invasive” survey on Aftersun