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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Rose Hill

Women's Aid speaking with Love Island over 'controlling behaviour' and misogyny

Women's Aid have confirmed that they are talking with Love Island as they addressed the intense backlash over misogynistic and "controlling" behaviour by some of the male Islanders.

Viewers have been left seething over the Mad Movies episodes, which has seen the Islanders discover who has been up to no good in Casa Amor.

While the scenes have provided much drama, some fans have been left unsettled over the double standards. For example, Davide and the other boys laid into Ekin-Su for being a "liar"... despite the Italian himself straying and kissing several women in the villa while she was gone.

Dami was also criticised for shouting that Summer was "fake" in front of the other Islanders, while simultaneously ignoring his bad behaviour.

In particular, Luca's behaviour towards Gemma over her reaction to Billy's flirting - with the bombshell suggesting he wouldn't have tried it on with her if he didn't get an inkling that she was interested.

The pair were recently seen having a conversation in the kitchen, when Billy placed his arm around her and Gemma told him to get off.

Clearly worried about how Luca would react, especially as he was watching them from the bean bags like a hawk, Gemma told him friends couldn't hug.

Despite laughing over the other moments - which involved most of the boys being up to no good - Luca was left incensed by what he saw and let rip at Gemma.

Fans have slammed Dami for calling Summer 'fake' (ITV)

Responding to the backlash, Women's Aid confirmed to Metro that they were in discussions with Love Island.

They said: "At Women’s Aid we are being tagged into a stream of Twitter posts, with viewers of Love Island highlighting the misogyny and controlling behaviour being shown on screen.

"This is clearly more than talking about any individual contestants, and a programme based around the formation of romantic relationships must have guidelines on what behaviour is acceptable and unacceptable in those relationships.

"We are talking to ITV, and they have shared with us information on their inclusion training, but what appears to be missing is specific information on abusive relationships and an understanding of controlling behaviour in relationships."

Fans have not been impressed with Luca recently (ITV)

ITV have said in response: "We cannot stress highly enough how seriously we treat the emotional well-being of all of our Islanders. Welfare is always our greatest concern, and we have dedicated welfare producers and psychological support on hand at all times, who monitor and regularly speak to all of the Islanders in private and off camera.

"Ahead of this series, contributors on the show were offered video training and guidance covering inclusive language around disability, sexuality, race and ethnicity, behaviours and microaggressions. We are always looking at how we expand and evolve on this training to ensure that all of our Islanders feel they are part of a safe and inclusive environment."

Luca's family have since apologised for his "insensitive" behaviour" and said that when he watches it back he will be "deeply embarrassed".

However, the account - run by his sister - also warned that he is in an "intense environment where his emotions are heightened".

*Love Island returns tomorrow night at 9pm on ITV2

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