Love Island’s Misogyny & Casual Sexism Is Still Making Headlines

Content warning: There are references to domestic abuse throughout this article.

Earlier this week domestic abuse charities were making public statements about the problematic behaviour of the Love Island 2022 contestants. Now it has emerged that Ofcom has received 3,600 complaints, too. The majority of the complaints were made in response to the men’s behaviour during the two movie night episodes and how they’ve reacted since then, per BBC News. The broadcasting watchdog also received complaints about an episode of After Sun aired on July 17, in relation to comments made about Ekin-Su and ex-islander Jacques O’Neill’s interview with host Laura Whitmore. Complainants were reportedly “concerned about his wellbeing, given his demeanour in the interview.”

In response to the After Sun complaints, ITV said they “do not condone trolling against either our host or our islanders and any subsequent elevation of these comments.” The broadcaster said there were “various measures in place to ensure Jacque’s welfare was being prioritised at all times,” and that he was briefed before the interview about After Sun’s “content and likely questioning.”

This comes after domestic abuse charities like Refuge took a stand. In a statement released on Jul. 17, the charity highlighting the "misogyny and casual sexism" on the ITV show. "Love Island has a huge audience, particularly amongst young people, and Refuge urge the producers of the show to recognise and respond to abusive behaviour when it happens," Ruthy Davison, Refuge CEO, said. "Popular culture has an important role to play in challenging these behaviours rather than perpetuating them." Davison highlights how "gaslighting and emotional manipulation" are being "carried out by some men in the villa and should be called out."

Women's Aid has since revealed they are in talks with ITV about the aforementioned "misogynistic and controlling behaviour", to see what the network can do to address the situation. Teresa Parker, head of communications and media relations at Women's Aid, revealed to Metro that ITV's inclusion training doesn't include "specific information on abusive relationships and an understanding of controlling behaviour in relationships." Parker has also said that it's also vital for the Love Island producers to "intervene and challenge unacceptable behaviour."

Meanwhile, Women’s Aid — who previously spoke out about Adam Collard’s controversial return to the villa — have encouraged viewers to look at the “Love Respect” section of their website, which aims to educate people on gaslighting, red flags, and consent.

In response to the concerns raised, ITV has released a statement detailing how “the emotional well-being” of the islanders is of paramount importance. "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,” the network said.

Revealing the measures put in place for this summer’s cast, ITV continued: “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 micro-aggressions.

"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."

If you or anyone you know has been affected by the issues highlighted above, you can find support at Women’s Aid or Refuge.