Love Island: The Reason Ofcom Dismissed More Than 14,000 Complaints This Series
Despite receiving 14,154 complaints, a spokesperson for Ofcom has announced that they will not be further investigating the latest series. They made a similar call in 2022 after receiving 7,500 complaints about misogyny and bullying.
According to the regulator, the most controversial episode aired on 24 July, which prompted 3,547 complaints about alleged bullying against Shakira Khan. Shakira ended up finishing in second place with her partner Harry Cooksley while her best friend Toni Laites won the show with her partner Cach Mercer. Yas Pettett and Jamie Rhodes finished in third.
The communications regulator has decided not to open a formal investigation because the negative behaviour 'was not shown in a positive light', and was in line with what viewers have come to expect from the ITV dating show.
'We carefully assessed the complaints we received about this series of Love Island, ' the spokesperson explained. 'We recognise that emotionally charged or confrontational scenes can upset some viewers. But, in our view, negative behaviour in the villa was not shown in a positive light, and contestants were seen supporting or apologising to each other.'
'We also took into account that the format of this reality show is well-established, and viewers would expect to see highs and lows as relationships and friendships are tested.'
The total number of complaints is significantly higher than last year when there were 3,500, and the highest since summer 2021 when there were 36,000 complaints filed.
According to the statement, a large proportion of complaints this year were regarding allegations of racism towards Shakira. A spokesperson for ITV responded to say: 'We would take any suggestion that any editorial decisions are made based on race very seriously indeed and would refute this in the strongest possible terms.'
Other complaints were about Dejon Noel-Williams' behaviour towards his girlfriend Megan Moore, the misogyny allegations leveraged at contestants such as Harrison Solomon, and the return of Megan Forte Clarke after she was dumped from the villa.
ITV's terms say producers have the discretion to 'reintroduce an Islander seen in earlier stages of the competition who was previously evicted'. The channel also says participants get training in advance about 'mutually respectful behaviour in relationships' and 'behaviour patterns associated with controlling and coercive behaviour'.
They also get 'comprehensive psychological support' and an aftercare package including 'support to all islanders following their participation on the show', according to a spokesperson for ITV.
Nikki Peach is a writer at Grazia UK, working across entertainment, TV and news. She has also written for the i, i-D and the New Statesman Media Group and covers all things pop culture for Grazia (treating high and lowbrow with equal respect).
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