E4's hit reality show Celebs Go Dating has been plunged into controversy this week, leaving audiences utterly gobsmacked and reaching for the complaint forms.
The source of the outrage? Contestant Dustin Green, whose behaviour on Tuesday night's episode was branded 'vile' and 'disgusting' by a tidal wave of furious viewers, leading to a significant number of formal complaints to media regulator Ofcom.
A Date Gone Horribly Wrong
The drama unfolded during a date with fellow participant Chloe Sims. In a moment that left viewers cringing, Green attempted a bizarre 'magic trick' that involved him retrieving a coin from Sims' clothing in a manner widely criticised as inappropriate and uncomfortable to watch.
But the awkwardness didn't stop there. The situation escalated further when Green made a series of explicit and crude remarks, leaving his date visibly unimpressed and audiences at home in a state of disbelief.
Social Media Erupts in Anger
Viewers wasted no time in taking to X (formerly Twitter) to express their fury. The platform was flooded with comments condemning Green's actions, with many questioning how the segment made it through the editing process and onto screens.
One incensed viewer posted: "That's me done with #CelebsGoDating. How was that allowed on TV? Absolutely vile behaviour." Another added, "Ofcom complaint going in. That was beyond unacceptable."
The Ofcom Fallout
The sheer volume of negative audience reaction has now translated into official action, with a notable number of complaints being lodged directly with Ofcom. The broadcasting watchdog will now assess whether the episode breached its code on offensive and harmful content.
This isn't the first time the popular dating show has found itself in hot water, but the intensity of this reaction suggests this could be one of its most contentious moments to date.
As the debate rages on about the limits of reality TV entertainment, all eyes are now on E4 and the show's producers to see how they respond to the growing backlash.
