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Love Island star Joe's 'controlling' treatment of Lucie condemned by women's group

Photo credit: ITV
Photo credit: ITV

From Digital Spy

Women's Aid has condemned Love Island star Joe Garratt for his "controlling" behaviour.

It was recently revealed that 302 Ofcom complaints were made regarding the treatment of Lucie Donlan by her fellow Islanders on the ITV2 reality dating series.

It comes after viewers and previous Love Island winners were angered by Joe's suggestion to Lucie that she should spend more time with female Islanders and not Tommy Fury.

The women's advocacy group has now released a statement deeming Joe's actions towards Lucie "possessive", although the show has since insisted that it takes contestant welfare "extremely seriously".

Photo credit: ITV
Photo credit: ITV

Related: Love Island sparks nearly 800 viewer complaints since Friday's controversial episode

Co-chief executive of Women's Aid, Adina Claire, said: "Controlling behaviour is never acceptable, and with Love Island viewers complaining to Ofcom in record numbers about Joe's possessive behaviour towards Lucie, more people are becoming aware of this and want to challenge it.

"Abusive relationships often start off with subtle signs of control, so it's important that it is recognised at an early stage.

"Love Island viewers are now very vocal in calling out unhealthy behaviour between couples on the show, and this is a positive development."

Photo credit: ITV
Photo credit: ITV

In response, a Love Island spokesperson told Digital Spy: "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. 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."

Photo credit: ITV
Photo credit: ITV

Related: Love Island winners Dani Dyer and Amber Davies and presenter Caroline Flack support Lucie Donlan over Joe Garratt drama

A source close to Joe also defended the controversial Islander, saying: "Joe is a great guy and you can tell how much he genuinely likes Lucie.

"Any suggestion online that he has been 'gaslighting' is unfair. You can see he only wants the best for Lucie and their time together in Love Island."

Women's Aid aren't the only ones to condemn Joe's actions, as Love Island presenter Caroline Flack and previous winners Dani Dyer and Amber Davies have also defended Lucie.

"Joe can you please just like Lucie for LUCIE and not who you want her to be," said Amber.

Caroline Flack added: "Is he weird? What is Joe actually angry about?"

Love Island airs at 9pm on ITV2, and you can catch up on the show via ITV Hub.


Readers who are affected by the issues raised in this story are encouraged to contact Women's Aid (www.womensaid.org.uk).


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