_(1).png)
Gemma Owen's mum, Louise Owen, has spoken out and defended Tasha Ghouri over allegations that the model and dancer is being 'bullied' on Love Island.
Tasha, 23, has had a difficult few days in the villa and things were made even worse during Tuesday (19 July) evening's episode when she was left in tears over the Snog, Marry, Pie challenge after being targeted by Luca Bish - Gemma's partner - and Dami Hope.
Now, Gemma's mum has spoken out about what's been happening in the villa. Writing on social media, Louise said: "I hope Tasha is ok, I feel it’s close to bullying now which is so sad to see."
Tasha was left upset by the game, which saw her get pied by Dami because she usually "gets away with a lot of stuff". Meanwhile, Luca also pied Tasha, adding: "I could give you a list, but I'll let it go for today. It's just a game."
Advert
When Tasha appeared visibly upset at the end of the challenge, Luca and Dami simply said: "It’s just a game".
Afterwards, Tasha told Andrew: "It's the reasons after they gave, that was nasty. When they are going deep in and personal attack on me, it's a completely different story."
The boys' behaviour has led many viewers to accuse them of 'bullying' Tasha, with many outraged over how she's being treated.
Later on in the episode, both Dami and Luca apologised to Tasha, with Luca telling her he 'felt bad'.
Advert
"I do actually genuinely feel bad right now for what I said and I'm sorry," he said.
Meanwhile, Dami told her: "I do support you and Andrew and obviously we have our opinions about everything that happened.
"I have said to you I thought you always get away with everything so I just thought it would be funny to say 'you always get away with everything well you're not getting away with this pie'.
"I don't want it to be like I'm ganging up on you. I actually want us to be friends."
Advert
But the male islanders' behaviour in the villa has been heavily criticised by viewers at home, with Ofcom reporting 3,500 complaints in the space of just a week.
The complaints to Ofcom started to roll in on Sunday 17 July, after the islanders attended Mad Movies night in the villa.
After the episode aired, Love Island received 2,481 complaints from fans, accusing some of the boys of misogynistic behaviour.
Advert
Later that night, Love Island's extra show After Sun aired and received 427 complaints after fans accused guests of making inappropriate comments about Ekin-Su Culculoglu.
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.
Love Island continues tonight on ITV 2 at 9pm.
Featured Image Credit: Instagram/@gemowen_1/ITVTopics: TV And Film, Love Island