In the most recent episodes of Love Island, the focus has been around Harrison, Lauren and Toni. And now, Women’s Aid has shared a statement about Harrison’s behaviour, after it was branded “petrifying” by viewers.
Prior to Casa Amor, Harrison had been coupled up with Toni. Then he brought Lauren back to the main villa. Quite quickly, Harrison and Lauren slept together twice. Toni had made it clear she was upset with Harrison cracking on with someone else in front of her so soon, and Harrison up til now, hadn’t told her what happened between himself and Lauren.
Throughout all of this, Harrison was still flirting with Toni. It was uncomfortable to watch him manipulate her like that. Harrison then told Lauren he wasn’t feeling “himself last night”. Last night being when he had sex with her in front of all the other Islanders.
Harrison then declared his head was back with Toni. She said she was done with him. But then, picked him in a recoupling. Everyone was confused. But at this point, Toni was completely unaware Harrison had been intimate with Lauren. Lauren was left in tears.
People on Twitter branded Harrison “petrifying” and shared their thoughts of the situation. “Harrison is genuinely one of the most sickening men ever to be on Love Island,” one said. “All he has done is make Toni AND Lauren feel crazy, and he fully enjoys watching them mentally struggle. Sick sick man.”
Toni’s mum has even posted a video, in which she held back tears and said she’s “devastated” over how her daughter has been treated. Following this, Women’s Aid shared a statement with The Tab. The charity addressed “toxic behaviours” and said “more needs to be done” when these behaviours are apparent.
via ITV
Jessye Werner, communications manager at Women’s Aid, told The Tab: “In recent years, Love Island and other forms of reality TV have been repeatedly called out by viewers for allowing in contestants that had a history of abusive, coercive and manipulative behaviour in previous relationships. As a result, production companies have been more careful when it comes to selecting contestants and calling out toxic behaviours when we see them.
“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.”
