ITV's hit reality show Love Island has come under fire after viewers flooded Ofcom with more than 1,000 complaints, accusing the programme of promoting misogyny and bullying behaviour.
Fans of the show were left appalled by the treatment of certain contestants, with some scenes allegedly reducing participants to tears. The backlash has reignited debates about duty of care in reality TV.
What Sparked the Complaints?
The wave of complaints comes after several controversial episodes where:
- Certain male islanders were accused of misogynistic remarks
- Female contestants appeared visibly distressed by confrontations
- Producers were criticised for not intervening in heated arguments
Ofcom's Response
The broadcasting regulator is currently assessing whether the complaints warrant an investigation. An Ofcom spokesperson stated: "We're assessing these complaints against our broadcasting rules before deciding whether to investigate."
This isn't the first time Love Island has faced scrutiny. The show has previously been criticised for its handling of mental health issues following the tragic deaths of former contestants Sophie Gradon and Mike Thalassitis.
ITV's Duty of Care
ITV has defended its duty of care protocols, stating: "We take our responsibilities seriously and have robust measures in place. All islanders receive psychological support before, during and after the show."
However, critics argue the format inherently creates toxic dynamics that no amount of aftercare can fully mitigate.
