The UK’s most popular show these days, “Love Island”, received backlash from Indignant viewers for representing and promoting ‘misogynistic behaviour’.
The broadcast watchdog, Ofcom, reported that 57 people complained about the show that aired on July 6 in which Jacques O’Neill “tested” his connection with Paige Thorne by getting to know Cheyanne Kerr and Mollie Salmon.
Jacques pulled Mollie onto the terrace and hinted that she was welcome to join him in the bed too, but he seemed confused a minute later and told Cheyanne that he wasn’t “interested.”
Luke Burgess has been criticised by fans on social media for telling the villa boys that he would “sack Mollie off and take Cheyanne for a kiss upstairs.”
The way Burgess reacted has been smashed by the fans on Twitter.
The misogyny this season is actually insane #LoveIsland pic.twitter.com/wecUFmrLTb
— ayooookk (@peepeepoopoopiz) July 8, 2022
Another fan stated that there is plenty of misogyny and hypocrisy among this year’s Love Island contestants.
there’s so much misogyny and hypocrisy with this years boys on love island… fear men #LoveIsland
— Amanda🧍🏾♀️ (@amandamasaka) July 8, 2022
It’s not the first time that the Love Island show received Ofcom complaints over something sensitive to the viewers. Last month, the viewers were left unimpressed by the islanders’ treatment of Ekin-Su Cülcülolu, which included Jacques calling her a “f*cking headache” in a dramatic exchange of words.
The friction leading to the condescending remarks began when the 27-year-old actress expressed anger at Jay Younger for wanting to get to know Paige, even though she had broken up with Davide Sanclimenti to couple with him.
Another reactions page on Twitter mentioned Jacques and his toxic behaviour towards Paige
You can accept that jacques has really been struggling and does need the help, while also acknowledging the toxic and manipulating behaviour he displayed towards paige #LoveIsland pic.twitter.com/mMJRYAZcvZ
— Reality Reactions (@RealityReactio1) July 12, 2022
ITV revealed on July 12 that Jacques was departing Love Island and that he will be giving a speech that will reveal the detail of why he was doing it was his decision. With tears in his eyes, Jacques said he is leaving Love Island in order to focus on his relationship with Paige. Jacques says he wants to “get back to himself” and be his best self for his girl.
Do you think Jacques actions or words reflected misogyny?
Ofcom promised to evaluate each complaint ‘carefully’ before the premiere of Love Island 2022 in order to protect contestants. However, to ensure that participants are “fully looked after” by broadcasters, the watchdog implemented new protections last year for people taking part in all TV and radio programmes.
Adam Baxter, director of broadcasting standards at Ofcom, of the guidelines wellbeing, said. “‘We’ve seen growing societal concern, and complaints volumes, about the potential implications for participants’.
He further stated, “‘These recognise that, sadly, for some people taking part in high-profile reality TV or talent shows, their moment in the spotlight can come at a cost.”
‘Some contestants’ mental health has suffered greatly. Others have found themselves the target of online trolls, long after the cameras stopped rolling.”
‘Last year, we brought in new protections for people taking part in programmes, putting their welfare at the heart of the programme-making process.”
“This means that broadcasters now have to take due care of people they feature who might be at risk of significant harm, primarily vulnerable people and those not used to being in the public eye.”
Love Island show has taken some really interesting turns amidst Jacques quitting the show and Paige getting involved with the returning Islander Adam Collard. Watch Love Island UK Season 8 on ITV and ITV2 every day at 9 pm. If you don’t have access to these channels, or you’re residing outside the UK, here’s how you can watch Love Island UK Season 9.
