ITV has defended host Laura Whitmore after the spin-off show Love Island: Aftersun received 427 Ofcom complaints amid accusations of ‘slut shaming’ during Sunday’s (17 July) episode.
Laura mediated a conversation with guests about Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu and George Tasker’s late night situation under the bed covers in Casa Amor.
Ekin-Su has repeatedly denied that anything happened with George, which Laura brought up during Aftersun.
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“Once again Ekin-Su swore that nothing happened with George and it seems Davide doesn’t believe her,” Laura said.
Musician Tom Grennan, who appeared as a guest, added: ‘It deffo [sic] happened though didn’t it?”
Darren Harriott said: “She said her head never turned but I think her hand might have turned, and possibly wrist.”
Some viewers were disappointed that Laura did not shut down the controversial comments.
Fans were clearly upset with the remarks and accused the host on social media of condoning ‘slut-shaming’.
The handler for Ekin-Su’s Twitter account tweeted: “The fact that the slut shaming is being passed off as banter and good television is very concerning at this rate.”
The tweet received more than 40,900 likes.
While another Twitter user wrote: “Let’s be real, the producers wont make them apologise to Ekin-Su when they have Laura Whitmore basically slut shaming her on Aftersun.”
Another fan directed a tweet at the official Love Island Twitter account to complain about the comments made about Ekin-Su. "WHY TF ARE PEOPLE STILL SLUT SHAMING EKIN,,, even on aftersun?? @LoveIsland @ITV you might wanna start giving a s**t about the wellbeing of your contestants, no? the misogyny and double standards are disgusting ew ew ew," they wrote.
ITV defended Laura in an official statement: "Laura is the presenter of the show, and part of that role is to pose questions to the panel and discuss events in the Villa. We do not condone trolling against either our host or our Islanders and any subsequent elevation of these comments."
Viewers were also unimpressed at the treatment of former islander Jacques O'Neill following his emotional departure from the villa for mental health reasons.
The following Monday (18 July), Love Island received an additional 413 complaints relating to alleged bullying and misogynistic behaviour from the boys.
In total, over the course of the week, the reality series faced 3,682 Ofcom complaints from viewers.
The behaviour of the boys in the villa, including Luca Bish and Dami Hope has been so concerning this season that Women's Aid has confirmed it is in talks with the Love Island team.
Love Island continues tonight at 9:00pm on ITV2 and ITVHub.
Topics: TV And Film, ITV, Love Island
Gregory Robinson