ITV has defended Laura Whitmore after hundreds of complaints to Ofcom over 'Love Island Aftersun'.
Laura Whitmore has been backed by ITV
The ITV2 dating show's spin-off programme has been hit with 427 complaints about Sunday's episode (17.07.22), mostly related to comments about Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu and her claim that "something happened with George", as well as Jacques O'Neill's first TV interview since quitting the series.
In a statement, the broadcaster told Metro.co.uk: "Laura is the presenter of the show, and part of that role is to pose questions to the panel and discuss events in the villa.
"We do not condone trolling against either our host or our Islanders and any subsequent elevation of these comments."
They also responded to viewers' issues with their interview with Jacques, and insisted his "welfare was prioritised" throughout the process.
They added: "We had various measures in place to ensure Jacques’ welfare was prioritised at all times ahead of and during his appearance on Aftersun.
"This included a full briefing with show producers to outline the show’s content and likely questioning, a conversation with Laura before and after the show was recorded, and chaperoning from both a welfare producer and a member of his family while he was in studio.
"Should an Islander not wish to participate in the Aftersun recording, we would always respect that decision."
Ekin-Su and George have both denied anything happened between them, but over the weekend Laura prompted a conversation about them.
She laughed: "Once again Ekin-Su swore that nothing happened with George and it seems Davide doesn’t believe her."
Singer and panellist Tom Grennan quipped: "It deffo happened though, didn’t it."
The conversation continued, prompting Ekin-Su's friend - who is running her social media account - branding the discussion as "slut shaming".
They wrote: "The fact that the slut shaming is being passed off as banter and good television is very concerning at this rate."
Meanwhile, 2,481 viewers complained to Ofcom over some of the male contestants' misogynistic behaviour.
‘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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