Love Island got hit with ofcom complaints from viewers disgusted by ‘misogyny’.
The television watchdog confirmed that 57 viewers registered their devastation after the July 6 episode airing Jacques O’Neill’s relationship with Paige Thorne by getting to know Mollie Salmon and Cheyanne Kerr.
During the scenes, Jacques Mollie pulled over to the patio and suggested she’s more than welcome to join him in bed, but minutes later told Cheyanne he wasn’t “interested.”
After the rugby player told the boys he would ‘fire Molllie and kiss Cheyanne upstairs’, fans reacted quickly bashed his behavior on social media†
Viewers have not hesitated to express their thoughts on this year’s series on social media, with one writing: “The misogyny this season is actually insane.”
Echoing a similar sentiment, another wrote: “There is so much misogyny and hypocrisy with this year’s boys on the love island… fear of men.”
This isn’t the first time Love Island has been hit by Ofcom complaints this year.
Last month, viewers were less than impressed by the islanders’ behavior towards Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu, with Jacques calling her a “f*cking headache” in a dramatic screaming match.
Their tense quarrel was triggered when the 27-year-old actress expressed her dismay at… Jay Younger for wanting to get to know Paigeeven though she had dumped Davide Sanclimenti to mate with him.
Jacques threw himself into the action by saying that Jay “was in a relationship with you and he found out what you are in two days mate, off*****g headache.”
“That’s what he does it for!” he continued. ‘He doesn’t get to know people, why can’t people get to know each other?’
Prior to the launch of Love Island 2022, ofcom said it will “carefully” review any complaint filed to protect participants.
The watchdog last year brought in new protections for people who participate in all TV and radio programs, keeping them “well looked after” by broadcasters.
Adam Baxter, Ofcom’s director of broadcasting standardssaid of the rules: ‘We have seen growing public concern and complaints about the potential implications for the wellbeing of participants.
“These recognize that, unfortunately, for some people who participate in high-profile reality TV or talent shows, their moment in the spotlight can come at a price.
The mental health of some participants has suffered greatly. Others have been targeted by online trolls long after the cameras stopped rolling.
“Last year we introduced new protections for people who participate in programs, putting their well-being at the center of program creation.
“This means that broadcasters must now take the necessary care of the people they broadcast who may be at high risk of serious harm, especially vulnerable people and those who are not used to being in the public eye.”
Jacques has since retired from the Love Island villa, with the contestant saying goodbye to the show during Tuesday night’s episode.
Love Island airs tonight at 9pm on ITV2.
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What is Ofcom and what does it cover?
Ofcom is the regulator for the communications services we use and rely on every day.
The watchdog ensures that people get the best out of their broadband, home telephone and mobile services and keeps an eye on TV and radio.
Ofcom handles most content on television, radio and video-on-demand services, including the BBC. However, if your complaint is about something you have seen or heard on a BBC programme, you may first need to make a complaint to the BBC.
The rules for television and radio programs are set out in the Broadcast code†
The rules in the Broadcasting Code also apply to the BBC iPlayer.
This broadcast code is the rulebook for broadcasters to follow and covers a number of areas including; protecting young people under the age of 18, protecting the public from harmful and/or objectionable material and ensuring that news, in whatever form, is reported accurately and impartially.
The public can file a complaint with Ofcom if they believe that the Broadcasting Code has been violated.
Each time Ofcom receives a complaint from a viewer or listener, they review it to see if further investigation is needed.
If Ofcom decides to open an investigation, they will include the case in a list of new investigations published in the Broadcast and On Demand Bulletin.
An investigation is a formal process that may take some time, depending on the complexity of the issues involved.
Ofcom may also initiate investigations if there is no complaint from a viewer or listener.
