Leading charity Women’s Aid has raised concerns about Love Island, warning that the programme has shown Amber Gill as “appearing to have her emotions manipulated”.
Women’s Aid is calling on producers of the ITV2 reality show to step in when “any form of behaviour becomes abusive”, following episodes featuring Amber in tears over her relationship with Michael Griffiths.
Michael ditched the 21-year-old model during the Casa Amor twist, choosing to couple up with Joanna Chimonides instead.
But following Joanna’s exit from the villa, he told Amber he still has feelings for her.
Adina Claire, acting co-chief executive of Women’s Aid, said: “Women’s Aid is becoming increasingly concerned about what appear to be unhealthy fledgling relationships being used as entertainment in Love Island.
“Most recently, the programme has shown Amber repeatedly reduced to tears and appearing to have her emotions manipulated.
“We hope that producers are looking after the well-being of the contestants and will step in when any form of behaviour becomes abusive.”
Adding that “a number of viewers” have contacted the charity after seeing behaviour they are “worried about” on Love Island, Adina continued: ”[We] ask producers to always take this seriously, and consider the messages being sent to viewers and contestants on the show.”
This isn’t the first time Women’s Aid has raised concerns about Love Island and earlier in this series, they released a statement about Joe Garratt’s “possessive behaviour” towards Lucie Donlan.
The deaths of former Love Island contestants Sophie Gradon and Mike Thalassitis have led to increased scrutiny over the care contestants receive before, during and after filming.
ITV recently announced an enhanced duty of care process for participants, including a minimum of eight post-series therapy sessions.
Tonight’s Love Island will see Amber choose whether to couple up with Michael or new boy Greg O’Shea.
The show continues on ITV2 at 9pm.
USEFUL LINKS:
- The Freephone 24 hour National Domestic Violence Helpline (run in partnership by Women’s Aid and Refuge): 0808 2000 247
- In Scotland, contact Scotland’s 24 hour Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline: 0800 027 1234
- In Northern Ireland, contact the 24 hour Domestic & Sexual Violence Helpline: 0808 802 1414
- In Wales, contact the 24 hour Life Fear Free Helpline on 0808 80 10 800.
- National LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0800 999 5428
- Men’s Advice Line: 0808 801 0327
- Respect helpline (for anyone worried about their own behaviour): 0808 802 0321