Love Island has been plagued by more than 300 Ofcom complaints about “toxic” behavior by female stars.
Last week, Will Farmer and Shaq Muhammad wept after Casa Amor’s antics aired on the big screen for Movie Night.
The broadcasting watchdog released its weekly figures on Wednesday. where it was revealed that a total of 337 viewers had gotten in touch with complaints.
266 of those were for Thursday’s show, in which a heartbroken Shaq was brought to tears after his on-screen partner, Tanya Manhenga, went off with another competitor, Martin Akinola.
Meanwhile, farmer Will Young sobbed after the women came to Jessie Wynter’s defense when she kissed another cast member while at Casa Amor, but none of the women condemned Martin.
Love Island has been hit by more than 300 Ofcom complaints about ‘toxic’ behavior by female stars
Distraught: Last week Will Farmer and Shaq Muhammad wept after Casa Amor’s antics aired on the big screen for Movie Night
For the February 23 episode, the day before Movie Night, there were 71 complaints, with the majority contacting the regulator over Olivia Hawkins’ behavior with Kai Fagan.
Olivia, 27, brought Kai, 24, in for a chat to ask him directly why he didn’t name her as the least trustworthy during the Knowing Me, Knowing You challenge.
During the tense scene, the actress said: “Casting Claudia was a bit like a cop and confirms that you’re pretty fake and for me I’d rather you say Olivia so I don’t think she’s genuine.” than the water under the bridge.
An unimpressed Kai said, “Liv, listen I can’t have sex with this conversation, I said Claudia because I can’t have sex with beef, I’m trying not to bite because I don’t.” I want confrontation’
He added, “But if you tell Kai this and Kai that, then I’m done with it, see you later,” as he stormed off.
Additionally, Ron was ridiculed and made to feel like he was wrong for showing up to encourage his fellow male contestants to give newcomers to Casa Amor a chance.
After the episodes aired, the show became embroiled in the “toxic femininity” row after viewers of the controversial ITV reality series feared for the mental health of the male stars.
Some fans accused the girls of hypocrisy for celebrating their ‘sisterhood’ but misbehaving in the same way as the men.
Anger: Twitter was full of irate commenters after the fight, angry at Tanya’s behavior and that she made him cry
My goodness: the broadcasting watchdog released its weekly numbers on Wednesday. where it was revealed that a total of 337 viewers had contacted to complain (Olivia Hawkins pictured)
Tanya, 22, Olivia and Australian Jessie Wynter, 26, are widely considered the ringleaders of the village.
However, the women, led by Jessie, were shown to do the exact same thing in the villa.
This year’s female lineup has been called the most “manipulative and toxic” in the show’s history.
A male viewer said: ‘I’ve never complained to Ofcom, but tonight I have. Emotional abuse and bullying are no joke – Tanya and Olivia need to talk.
One viewer wrote on Twitter: “I never thought I would side with the men.” Some of these women are toxic,’ while another tweeted: ‘Toxic femininity at her finest.’
Another wrote: ‘This women empowerment is too toxic for me. It doesn’t hurt to be self-aware, babe. And a lot of you have to look in the mirror.
An ITV spokesperson said contestants are trained in inclusive language and behaviour, creating safe spaces and being a good ally.
Love Island continues on ITV2 and ITVX at 9pm
Upsetting: 266 of them were for Thursday’s show that saw a heartbroken Shaq reduced to tears after his on-screen partner Tanya Manhenga left with another competitor, Martin Akinola.