Love Island bosses have responded to viewers’ latest concerns about contestant Lucie Donlan, maintaining that participants are offered support throughout their time in the villa.
Producers have issued a statement after fans grew worried about the way Lucie was being treated by her fellow islanders, particularly Joe Garratt, who some viewers have even suggested has been gaslighting her, a form of emotional abuse where a person tries to gain power and control by planting seeds of uncertainty in someone else’s mind.
An ITV spokesperson said: “We take the emotional well-being of all the islanders extremely seriously.
“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, especially if someone appears to be upset.
“All the islanders are therefore fully supported by the professionals on site and by their friends in the villa.”
They added: “This means islanders are always able to reach out and talk to someone if they feel the need. We will of course continue to monitor all of our islanders in line with our robust protocols.”
“Love Island holds a mirror up to relationships and all the different dynamics that go with them.”
Media regulator Ofcom has received a total of 302 complaints about the way Lucie has been treated in the villa, while Joe’s “controlling” behaviour has been condemned by Women’s Aid.
A further 486 complaints were made about Maura Higgins’ actions towards fellow Islander Tommy Fury, in particular a scene which saw her climbing on top of him and trying to kiss him, despite his protestations.
Love Island airs on Sunday through Friday nights on ITV2 at 9pm.
