Love Island USA star Melanie defended over her appearance change after cruel trolls resurface old photos

You have to be made of strong stuff to go on Love Island, with everyone having an opinion on how you look, dress, and behave.

In fact, the criticism for many stars got so bad that for the UK edition, a ban on social media was introduced, with strict rules meaning contestant accounts required to go 'dormant' while the show was on.

Over on the US edition, though, there's no such decision.

Stunning Love Island USA season 8 contestant Melanie Moreno has had people trawling through her social media, and resurfacing old photos of her from when she worked as a plus-size model

After some cruel comments were posted about Moreno's former figure, fans have rushed to her defence, while others have been asking why there isn't any plus-size representation on the show.

Some cruel trolls have made comments about Melanie Moreno's old photos (Peacock)

Sharing old pics of the reality star, one account wrote "Melanie from love island USA used to be a plus sized model!" before some cruel comments followed.

One commenter replied: "She still looks good big or small imo, I can see why she may behave the way she does on the show now."

Another added "She’s rocking it in both pictures," while another echoed "My jaw dropped…"

Others were quick to call out negative commenters, with one writing: "Ur mad that she used to be plus sized?? Ur the weird one."

"What’s wrong with homegirl being plus sized in the past? Can't you accept it like?" quizzed another.

Someone else wrote: "The amount of weight she lost in span of 3 years while still looking/being healthy is genuinely impressive. Proud of her."

"Melanie was stunning then. She is stunning now," praised another while one insisted "Omg i would've never known! She's so tea."

Melanie's former career has resurfaced (Peacock)

One straight talking viewer wrote: "At the end of the day, whether she modelled as plus-size or not, it's her personality and presence on the show that viewers are judging now."

She had previously modelled for the likes of Pretty Little Thing for Miami Swim Week.

Melanie's sister, Steph, also spoke out in defence of her sibling: "Mel’s sister here. Melanie has always had very high self-esteem, even when she was plus-size."

One critic slammed the series: “Is it just me or is Love Island a lil fat phobic because where tf are all the plus sized baddies?!!”

Someone else agreed: “We don’t get enough thick representation.”

Another viewer added that there has never been any 'thick body diversity on Love Island or really anywhere else properly.”