Caroline Flack says she’s ‘really, really angry’ Love Island is blamed for Mike Thalassistis’ death and says it’s NOT the show’s fault
CAROLINE Flack says she’s "really, really angry" Love Island is blamed for Mike Thalassistis' death and insists it’s NOT the show’s fault.
The 39-year-old was left devastated by Mike's tragic passing in March at the age of just 26.
Many were quick to blame a lack of aftercare for Love Island contestants for his death, but speaking to the , Caroline insisted that wasn't the case.
She said: "It’s dangerous and I’m really, really angry.
"It’s not just that you’re blaming a TV show, you’re blaming people and their jobs.
"In life we all have a duty of care to look out for each other, but I don’t think it’s fair to point fingers of blame.
"This is a much bigger issue than just a reality TV show, and when something this bad happens - and I’m talking about Mike - when something this horrible and sad occurs, it’s so dangerous to point fingers within hours and minutes of it happening."
Mike took his own life in parkland near Edmonton, North London, and Caroline said it's wrong for people to try and guess what was going on in the run up to the tragedy.
She continued: "None of us know what’s going through someone’s mind and we can’t sit there and speculate.
"It’s time to think about the bigger picture, about what’s going on with young men and young people and the pressures of modern life.
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"It’s just too sad and too sensitive to talk about.
"He was always a total gentleman to me and I’m going to be a total lady back.”
YOU'RE NOT ALONE
EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide.
It doesn't discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society - from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.
It's the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.
And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.
Yet it's rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.
That is why The Sun launched the You're Not Alone campaign.
The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.
Let's all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others... You're Not Alone.
If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:
- CALM, , 0800 585 858
- Heads Together,
- Mind, , 0300 123 3393
- Papyrus,, 0800 068 41 41
- Samaritans, , 116 123
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