Love Island bosses have come to the defence of host Laura Whitmore after 427 viewers complained to Ofcom following comments she date during last week’s spin off show Aftersun.
The television personality, 37, came under fire after mediating a conversation with her guests about Ekin-Su and George Tasker’s flirtation in Casa Amor resulting in her being accused of ‘slut shaming’.
Following a barrage of complaints through official channels and via social media ITV producers have declared that they ‘do not condone trolling against our host or Islanders’.
‘We do not condone trolling against our host or Islanders’: ITV defend Love Island host Laura Whitmore after 427 viewers accused her of ‘slut shaming’ (pictured in March)
The handling of Jacques – who has openly spoken about quitting the series to protect his mental health – on the show was also criticised after he was shown videos of his ex-partner Paige Thorne kissing Adam Collard.
Following this Laura brought up the topic of Ekin Su’s repeated denials that anything happened during her time in Casa Amour.
Laura said: ‘Once again Ekin-Su swore that nothing happened with George and it seems Davide doesn’t believe her.’
Unhappy: The television personality came under fire after mediating a conversation with her guests about Ekin-Su and George Tasker’s flirtation in Casa Amor (pictured on the show)
As Laura burst into laughter, Tom Grennan exclaimed: ‘It deffo happened though didn’t it?’
Darren Harriott continued: ‘She said her head never turned but I think her hand might have turned, and possibly wrist.’
Instead of shutting down the comments, some viewers were disappointed to see Laura continuing the conversation, turning to Sian Welby to ask her opinion.
Now in an official statement ITV have said: ‘Laura is the presenter of the show, and part of that role is to pose questions to the panel and discuss events in the villa.
Hot water: Instead of shutting down the comments, some viewers were disappointed to see Laura continuing the conversation (Ekin-Su pictured)
Criticism: The handling of Jacques – who has openly spoken about quitting the series to protect his mental health – on the show was also criticised
‘We do not condone trolling against either our host or our Islanders and any subsequent elevation of these comments.’
In regards to complaints about Jacque’s appearance they said: ‘We had various measures in place to ensure Jacques’ welfare was prioritised at all times ahead of and during his appearance on Aftersun.
‘This included a full briefing with show producers to outline the show’s content and likely questioning, a conversation with Laura before and after the show was recorded, and chaperoning from both a welfare producer and a member of his family while he was in studio.’
Panel: The panel then joked accusing the islander of lying saying: ‘It deffo happened though didn’t it?’
They signed off by saying: ‘Should an Islander not wish to participate in the Aftersun recording, we would always respect that decision.’
Following the episode viewers raced to social media with tweeting: ‘It’s shameful that a national network has so little awareness, and is normalising sexism. Aftersun especially was a disgrace tonight.’
Another pointed out: ‘Laura also crying ‘feminism’ when people said she only got the love island / aftersun job because her husband does the voiceover, yet encouraging everyone to basically slut shame ekin su… ? white women’.
A third echoed: ‘Let’s be real, the producers wont make them apologise to Ekin Su when they have Laura Whitmore basically slut shaming her on Aftersun.’
Disappointed: Following the episode viewers raced to social media with tweeting: ‘It’s shameful that a national network has so little awareness, and is normalising sexism. Aftersun especially was a disgrace tonight.’
A fourth said: ‘Appalled by @LoveIsland after sun @thewhitmore adding fuel to the situation about Ekin Su & George in such a misogynistic way.
‘It’s not entertaining when you’re making up shit for ‘views’. Don’t you remember Caroline Flack, Sophie, Mike?? #loveisland great stuff’
Others called the interview with Jacques ‘cruel’, saying that forcing him to watch clips of Paige and Adam was dangerous for his mental health after the ex-Islander said he had not been able to watch the show.
Sad: Others called the interview with Jacques ‘cruel’, saying that forcing him to watch clips of Paige and Adam was dangerous for his mental health after the ex-Islander said he had not been able to watch the show
Last series, a viewer reminded Laura on her Instagram how she named and shamed journalists for asking questions saying: ‘If you’re going to ask people invasive questions based off tabloid stories because it’s your job… remember that when you name and shame other journalists who ask you the same questions because they’re too doing their jobs.’
Laura defended her actions saying: ‘I insist everyone sees the questions before they go on air and are ok with it. I believe in choice so nothing is ever asked without permission… that is the difference.’
2,481 viewers also complained about ‘alleged misogynistic behaviour by some of the male contestants’ during the July 17 Movie Night episode.
In addition to the 2481 complaints received for the July 17 episode, a further 427 were received for the next night’s episode ‘related to alleged bullying and misogynistic behaviour from some of the male contestants,’ during a game of dares
Having her say: In the past, Laura has defended herself against criticism of her ‘invasive’ questioning on Aftersun
