The latest series of Love Island has seen its most complained-about episode yet, with broadcasting regulator Ofcom receiving 109 complaints over an incident involving contestant Simba. The episode, aired on June 19, drew backlash after Simba reacted angrily when fellow Islander Mica rejected his advances.
Simba's Reaction Sparks Outrage
According to Ofcom, the complaints specifically related to Simba's behaviour after Mica turned him down. During the episode, several Islanders returned from a sleepover with new bombshells. Simba confessed to his current partner Angelista that he wanted to get to know Mica better and admitted they had shared a kiss outside of a challenge. He then told Angelista he needed to share a bed with Mica to see if there was potential, and considered inviting her to the Hideaway. However, when he asked Mica, she declined. Simba reacted with a tirade of expletives, storming off and saying, "Now I'm going to look like a f***ing idiot, go talk to Angie an that." He later told other Islanders, "I'm f***ed now, so f***ed, oh my f***ing days."
Viewers described his behaviour as going from "hero to zero," and many lodged complaints with Ofcom. An Ofcom spokesperson confirmed: "The complaints related to Simba's behaviour after he was rejected by Mica."
Tommy's Actions Also Draw Complaints
In addition to the Simba incident, a separate episode aired on June 14 attracted 76 complaints over Tommy's conduct towards Namibia. In that episode, Tommy escorted Namibia to the terrace and asked for a kiss. Initially, she declined, but Tommy persisted, touching her arm and pulling her closer before they kissed. Some viewers labelled the behaviour "disgusting" and said they were "absolutely livid."
Namibia, who has since left the villa, addressed the kiss on Love Island: The Debrief. She said: "I am shocked coming out, seeing what people are saying. And when I've watched it back, I do get it because I'm sat with my arms crossed. I'm like 'no' and he's pulled me in so I do get the uproar." She added: "I wouldn't have done if I didn't want to. I did say no because if he'd have stuck to that, that would be fine. If I really didn't want to, I wouldn't have. I think I was just in a bit in a state of shock because I wasn't expecting it. And then when it happened he's asked me to keep it quiet and I was like 'oh God, has this just happened?'"
Series 13 Drama Continues
Love Island's 13th series has been packed with drama, including multiple love triangles and the introduction of bombshells such as the younger brother of an original contestant and the daughter of a former Premier League star. Risqué challenges designed to test Islanders' commitment have also returned, with the fallout from one such challenge sparking the viewer outrage. ITV has been approached for comment. Love Island airs Sundays to Fridays at 9pm on ITV2 and ITVX.
