As viewers, criticising islanders has always come with limitations. As families of contestants like to point out, we only see one hour out of 24, so viewers never really know the people we’re watching on screen. However, I’d argue that this goes both ways: if we’re witnessing manipulative behaviour from men who know that they’re being televised, how bad must they be outside the villa, behind closed doors?
The behaviour of three men in particular stood out: Harry, Dejon, and Harrison were repeatedly bashed on social media for their manipulation and general disregard for the women’s feelings. Their attitude throughout the show gave the message that they could do whatever they wanted to women, because they’d get away with it anyway.
What we tolerate on screen influences what we tolerate in real life
Women's Aid via Instagram
Harrison’s treatment of Toni and Lauren even prompted Women’s Aid to join the discourse. Their official Instagram post highlighted the “lying, gaslighting, emotional manipulation, and disrespect” and stated that “what we tolerate on screen influences what we tolerate in real life”. (Instagram). Cosmopolitan has since interviewed Lauren and Harrison, and asked for Lauren’s response to the statement. Lauren claimed that “it was blown out of proportion”, “everyone makes mistakes”, and “it’s a shame that [Harrison]’s being portrayed in this way” (TikTok - Make Your Day). It seems that these islanders think we are, in fact, too woke.
There were 14,000 Ofcom complaints this series
Furthermore, there was an extremely apparent divide in the villa between the girls, with many viewers commenting that one group were victims of bullying from the other. Criticism went beyond just ranting online – there were 14,000 Ofcom complaints this series. The highest number of complaints for one episode was 3,547, when Shakira broke down in tears, seemingly exhausted from weeks of hurt in the villa. (Love Island: Ofcom rejects 14,000 complaints about ITV reality show - BBC News)
Whilst the public is clearly not reacting well to Love Island, the show is notorious for generating income through brand deals with names like Boots, Ebay and Nescafe, so it’s unlikely that this series will be the last. However, it will be interesting to see how both the producers and the cast next series will navigate the criticism that has arisen this year.
Conversations have been irrevocably opened up, and viewers won’t tolerate hurtful behaviour forever (many people claimed to stop watching mid-series this year as they had simply had enough of watching people be mistreated). In a world where Love Island will continue to be aired, it’s increasingly important that we recognise and criticise abusive behaviour. In 2025, we are not too woke for Love Island, we are finally woke enough.