A domestic abuse charity is in talks with ITV over “misogyny and controlling behaviour” it says has been displayed on ‘Love Island’.
Luca Bish is among the male contestants whose behaviour on ‘Love Island’ has caused controversy
Women’s Aid said “specific information on abusive relationships and an understanding of controlling behaviour in relationships” seems to be absent from the broadcaster’s “inclusive training” ahead of the ITV2 dating series.
The women’s charity Refuge issued a separate statement saying “gaslighting and coercive control” was being shown by this year’s male contestants.
Women’s Aid said on Tuesday (19.07.22): “At Women’s Aid we are being tagged into a stream of Twitter posts, with viewers of ‘Love Island’ highlighting the misogyny and controlling behaviour being shown on screen.
“This is clearly more than talking about any individual contestants, and a programme based around the formation of romantic relationships must have guidelines on what behaviour is acceptable and unacceptable in those relationships.
“We are talking to ITV, and they have shared with us information on their inclusion training, but what appears to be missing is specific information on abusive relationships and an understanding of controlling behaviour in relationships.”
Recent controversies have included fishmonger Luca Bish accusing his partner Gemma Owen of flirting with Billy Brown after he was shown clips of her during the ‘Movie Night’ challenge after the teenager repeatedly denied anything dramatic happened between them.
Davide Sanclimenti branded Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu a “liar” for her brief dalliance with George at Casa Amor even though he kissed two girls during the time away from his partner.
Dami Hope has also caused outrage for branding Summer Botwe “fake” and hitting out at Indiyah Polack after he had wandering eyes at sister villa Casa Amor.
Women’s charity Refuge said on Twitter in a statement: “The misogyny and casual sexism witnessed on this series of #LoveIsland is extremely concerning.
“The double standards, gaslighting and coercive control being displayed by the men in the villa is hugely problematic.”
‘Love Island’ airs at 9pm on ITV2 and ITV Hub. Episodes are available the following morning on BritBox. The dating reality show can be seen in Ireland on Virgin Media Two and Virgin Media Player.
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