Love Island has been slammed by a women's charity over the treatment of Lucie Donlan by Joe Garratt, as they warned 'abusive relationships often start off with subtle signs of control.'
Viewers of the ITV2 dating show Newquay surfer Lucie reduced to tears by Joe after he warned she was spending too much time with Tommy Fury.
Lucie, 21, had insisted nothing was going on between her and the boxer, but Joe told her she wasn't 'respecting the one she was with,' causing her to break down.
Viewers called the scenes disturbing to watch and urged for Lucie to be removed from the situation to protect her welfare.
Adina Claire of domestic abuse charity Women's Aid said: "Controlling behaviour is never acceptable."
"With Love Island viewers complaining about Joe's possessive behaviour towards Lucie, more people are becoming aware of this and want to challenge it.
"Abusive relationships often star off with subtle signs of control."
A source close to Joe denied that he is pressuring her.
"You can see he only wants the best for her," they told The Sun.
An ITV spokesperson said: "We take the emotional well-being of all the islanders extremely seriously."
Yesterday, it was reported more than 800 viewers have about the ITV2 series so far.
In one controversial scene aired on Friday night, Maura Higgins tried to force Tommy Fury to kiss her by straddling him on the sofa and trying to plant a snog on his lips.
But the 20-year-old boxer made it clear he wasn't going there before pushing her away and getting into bed with her love rival Molly-Mae.
The outrageous moment episode has attracted 486 complaints to broadcasting regulator Ofcom.
It had caused outrage on Twitter , with many calling for Maura to be booted out of the villa.
Love Island continues weeknights on ITV at 9pm
