Women's Aid has held discussions with ITV regarding what it describes as 'misogynistic and controlling behaviour' on Love Island. The domestic abuse charity said it was prompted to act after being inundated with social media tags from viewers concerned about the treatment of female contestants.
The charity criticised the show's inclusion training for missing 'specific information on abusive relationships and an understanding of controlling behaviour in relationships'. Teresa Parker, Women's Aid communications chief, said: 'It is vital that producers know when to intervene and challenge unacceptable behaviour.'
This series has seen significant backlash over the conduct of male islanders. Luca Bish has been criticised for accusing his partner Gemma Owen of flirting with a new arrival, while Dami Hope faced condemnation for shouting at Summer Botwe and calling her 'fake'. Even Davide Sanclimenti, an early favourite, has been called out for repeatedly calling Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu a 'liar'.
ITV responded by emphasising its commitment to contestant welfare, stating: 'We cannot stress highly enough how seriously we treat the emotional well-being of all of our islanders.' The broadcaster noted that contributors receive video training on inclusive language and behaviours, and that it is 'always looking at how we expand and evolve on this training'.
Women's Aid has offered to assist ITV in addressing these issues. Refuge, another domestic abuse charity, also expressed concern, tweeting that 'the misogyny and casual sexism witnessed on this series... is extremely concerning'.
