Georgia Harrison has made history as the first Love Island star to receive an MBE. The 30-year-old was honoured for her services to campaigning for better legislation tackling violence against women.
Ms Harrison appeared on the third season of Love Island and later on Love Island: All Stars. In 2020, she discovered that her ex-partner Stephen Bear had shared CCTV footage of their sexual encounter without her consent. She reported him to the police and filed a civil claim for misuse of private information.
Bear was ordered to pay £207,900 in compensation, which Ms Harrison planned to donate to charities supporting victims of image-based sexual abuse. However, the payment was not made. In March 2024, a Proceeds of Crime Act hearing ordered Bear to pay £22,305, of which Ms Harrison received £5,000. Bear was jailed for 21 months in 2023 for voyeurism and disclosing private sexual photographs without consent, and was released in January 2024.
Ms Harrison waived her right to anonymity during the trial to stand with other victims. She then campaigned with Thames Valley Police to change the law on revenge porn; previously, prosecutors had to prove an intention to humiliate the victim, but this clause was removed thanks to her efforts.
Prince William presented Ms Harrison with her MBE at Windsor Castle on Wednesday. She said he had followed her story and took a genuine interest. Ms Harrison, who is expecting her first child, has also made two ITV documentaries and continues to campaign against violence against women.
