Love Island star Siannise Fudge has accused the show of ‘normalising’ toxic behaviour as she revealed her own past relationship abuse in an emotional social media post.
Fans have slammed this year’s male stars for their toxicity – with allegations of ‘manipulation, gaslighting and disrespect’.
While Women’s Aid accused the ITV show of reinforcing ‘misogyny and sexism’ as they released a statement addressing recently departed Harrison Solomon’s ‘disgusting’ behaviour.
And taking to her Instagram stories on Saturday, Siannise – who appeared on the winter series of the show in 2020 – called out the show for seemingly allowing the behaviour, while noting the girls deserved better.
The influencer, 31, shared an article from the publication Mighty Pursuit which featured a quote from model Bella Hadid which read: ‘I constantly went back to men that abused me. I would become silent and cry… [As a] people pleaser… I was putting my worth in the hands of someone else.’
Siannise, who came runner-up in her series with then boyfriend Luke Trotman, told how the statement ‘resonated’ with her, before going on to admit her own abusive relationship.
Love Island star Siannise Fudge has accused the show of ‘normalising’ toxic behaviour as she revealed her own past relationship abuse in an emotional social media post
The star shot to fame on season six of the ITV show
Taking to her Instagram Stories on Saturday, the influencer, 31, told how a statement shared by Mighty Pursuit ‘resonated’ with her, before going on to admit her own abusive relationship
Siannise did not specifically identify any individual on Love Island nor reveal her abusive partner.
She penned: ‘I have been a victim in my past relationships of this behaviour which I thought was normal – and that’s the scariest part. It’s so disappointing and very disturbing that this behaviour on national tv especially on one of the biggest tv shows is being normalised.
‘Those girls deserve so much more, they deserve to be respected and my heart goes out to them.’
She continued: ‘I’m sure they will need a lot of support when they are out as I know the intensity of that environment and having to deal with that behaviour on top is just awful.’
The beauty concluded: ‘This whole thread speaks volumes and I’m gonna leave it here. Please read and I hope this helps understand why this will never be ok and should never be tolerated.’
Siannise then shared a thread from Women’s Aid, which examined the behaviour on the show and claimed it was ‘reinforcing a culture trivialising violence against women and girls.’
The reality star wrote alongside the post: ‘It’s been so disturbing watching for me this year, especially as a previous islander.
‘The behaviour has been shocking and it really hasn’t been about finding love, it’s been about power, control, and emotional abuse.
‘It’s very concerning that this is being normalised on national TV.’
Siannise then shared a thread from Women’s Aid, which examined the behaviour on the show and claimed it was ‘reinforcing a culture trivialising violence against women and girls.’
The star wrapped up her posts with a sweet video of herself dancing with her boyfriend, footballer George Rigg, whom she has been with since 2023
Siannise wrapped up her posts with a sweet video of herself dancing with her boyfriend, footballer George Rigg, whom she has been with since 2023.
She added: ‘Thank you for being my safety, my peace, and showing me what a real healthy love is. Been waiting for you my whole life.’
MailOnline have contacted Love Island representatives for comment.
It comes after Love Island faced backlash following Tuesday night’s episode, which saw Harrison’s antics spark fury among fans as his love triangle with Lauren and Toni continued.
After a rollercoaster relationship with Toni, Harrison returned from Casa Amor last week with Lauren.
However he and Toni continued flirting and have had secret chats on the terrace, with Harrison often telling Toni one thing and Lauren another.
On Tuesday fans were left fuming as they branded Harrison ‘disgusting’ after he appeared to have sex with Lauren before later crawling back to Toni, who does not know the full extent of Harrison’s intimate actions.
Love Island has faced backlash as Women’s Aid accused the ITV show of reinforcing ‘misogyny and sexism’ as they release statement addressing Harrison’s ‘petrifying’ behaviour
And now Women’s Aid have spoken out on his behaviour.
Communications Manager at Women’s Aid Jessye Werner said that while production companies have been making steps to call out toxic behaviours more must be done.
She told The Tab: ‘Despite these positive steps, we still see unhealthy patterns of behaviour on these shows, showing just how steeped in misogyny and sexism our society still is.
‘Women are often lied to, slut-shamed and manipulated, as well as laughed at behind their backs. Misogyny and sexism lay the foundation for the tolerance of abuse and violence – it reinforces a culture that excuses and trivialises violence against women and girls.
‘More must be done to educate contestants on sexism and misogyny, and it is a great credit to viewers who take to social media, continuing to call out these behaviours as soon as they see them.’
Yet ITV has highlighted they carry out extensive duty of care protocols during, before and after filming.
These include suspending social media, training in language and behaviour and ongoing support and welfare sessions.
Their guidelines state: ‘All Islanders will complete video training and guidance across a range of topics to include mutually respectful behaviour in relationships, behaviour patterns associated with controlling and coercive behaviour and language around disability, sexuality, race and ethnicity, and microaggressions before they meet their fellow Islanders.’
