Close friends of much-talked about Love Island contestant Joe Garratt have hit back at 'unfair' criticism as both viewers and charity Women's Aid voice concerns about his behaviour on the show.
The sandwich entrepreneur faced a barrage of criticism from people at home, who deemed his behaviour towards love interest Lucie Donlan as 'controlling'.
Women's Aid also issued a statement on the matter, praising Love Island fans for calling out the early warning signs of an abusive relationship.
Joe was dumped from the villa after a public vote and is now reported to be as show bosses prepare him for a backlash back in the UK.
But Joe's family have hit back at Joe's critics and ITV.
Following his eviction, they posted "Speaking on behalf of Joe’s best friends, we acknowledge Joe will come out to some warranted criticism.
However, we deem the majority of it to be unfair and non representative of Joe’s true character.
"The producers have the ability to show someone in a particular light, choosing just 45 mins of footage from 24 hours to tell a certain narrative.
"Joe will know he is coming home to the best family and group of friends about. We are all buzzing to see our boy."
