'Love Island' contestant Natalia Zoppa's sister calls for end to abusive messages

Love Island contestant Natalia Zoppa’s sister has called upon internet trolls to be kind, in the wake of Caroline Flack’s death.

The 20-year-old events manager and her partner Jamie Clayton were voted off the ITV2 dating show on Tuesday evening.

Zoppa’s sister wrote on Instagram: “In light of the very sad recent news of Caroline Flack, I feel the need to say something. I’m Natalia’s sister and over the past few weeks have been managing Natalia’s account and have had to read loads of abusive messages/comments by online trolls... They have taken time out of their day to message my sister vile abuse to try affect her mental state.”

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Former Love Island presenter Flack took her own life on Saturday aged just 40. She had been subjected to abuse on social media after being pleading not guilty to assaulting her boyfriend Lewis Burton.

Zoppa’s sister went on: “Natalia is a 20-year-old girl. She has never once claimed to be perfect. If we have learnt anything over the last few days it’s to be kind. Nasty words can have very harmful consequences. If you can’t think of anything nice to say then it’s best to say nothing at all.”

Flack’s death had prompted a kindness campaign, inspired by a quote she posted on Instagram in December last year saying: “In a world where you can be anything, be kind.”

A Be Kind T-shirt created by In The Style donating 100 per cent of profits to mental health support helpline The Samaritans has already raised over £200,000.

An inquest has confirmed that Flack died by taking her own life.

Her family have released an Instagram post she wrote before she died, but never published.

Flack had written: “I've been pressing the snooze button on many stresses in my life – for my whole life. I've accepted shame and toxic opinions on my life for over 10 years and yet told myself it's all part of my job.”

On Monday night Love Island’s narrator paid tribute to her on the ITV2 dating show.

Read more: Eamonn Holmes questions future of 'Love Island'

Iain Stirling said: “Caroline and me were together from the very start of Love Island, and her passion, warmth and enthusiasm were a crucial part of what made this show connect with millions of viewers.

“My only hope is that we can all try and be kinder, always show love and listen to one another.”

For confidential emotional support at times of distress, contact The Samaritans at any time by calling 116 123 or emailing jo@samaritans.org.