Why did Love Island 2019 viewers complain to Ofcom and how many complaints were there?
LOVE Island has had its fair share of complaints over the years since its overhaul in 2015, and season five - the 2019 series - was no different.
Some ITV2 watchers contacted media watchdog Ofcom, the television regulator, to report the programme.
How many complaints has Love Island 2019 received?
Love Island 2019 received nearly 1,500 complaints during its time on air.
More than 140 complaints by viewers made to Ofcom were about Michael Griffiths, a firefighter from Liverpool.
The majority of complaints deemed the Islanders behaviour "unacceptable", a spokesperson for he broadcasting watchdog told RadioTimes.com.
According to reports, fans were left worried for Lucie Donlan’s safety, branding her coupled-up partner Joe as controlling and unstable.
One fan had taken to Twitter, stressing: “Joe is actually so controlling I hate it lucie deserves to be loved sorry for hating on you at the start xxxxx."
Another social media user wrote: “Seeing actual signs of emotional abuse on Love Island is excruciating.”
A third said: “It's actually becoming uncomfortable to watch how everyone is treating Lucie.
"I’d genuinely worry for her mental health.”
In one episode of Love Island, Joe told Lucie that she needed to make more of an effort in spending time with the other girls.
His delivery was deemed as “disturbing” by some fans, who felt as if Lucie couldn’t find her true happiness in the villa until she was rid of the sandwich maker.
Even Women's Aid chief executive Adina Claire thanked Love Island fans for complaining about the scenes.
She said: “Controlling behaviour is never acceptable, and with Love Island viewers complaining to Ofcom in record numbers about Joe's possessive behaviour towards Lucie, more people are becoming aware of this and want to challenge it.”
Meanwhile, Maura Higgin’s flirtatious arrival at the villa certainly didn’t go unnoticed.
Certain viewers felt as if the grid girl was sexually harassing boxer Tommy Fury, adding that she overstepped her boundaries on multiple occasions.
And not to mention that Maura has no filter when it comes to speaking her mind, infamously saying she had a “fanny flutter” whenever she was around Tommy.
While it’s unclear how Love Island producers handle the complaints, bosses proved they took rulebreaking very seriously.
Sherif Lanre was shockingly kicked off the show for inappropriate behaviour.
The rugby player later revealed that he was supposedly booted for making remarks about Molly-Mae after a playfight ended up seeing the blonde get hurt.
ITV2 has yet to respond to Sherif’s comments concerning their decision to remove him from the show.
There have also been complaints about some of the sexual scenes ITV2 has chosen to air as the couples begin to take their relationships to the next level.
Last week, Molly-Mae groaned from her bed and breathed the words “Jesus Christ” while Tommy appeared to pleasure her.
Ofcom only received six complaints about the sexy scene – while 12 viewers voiced criticism of the episode as a whole.
Has Love Island received complaints in the past?
Yes, the ITV2 series has had a number of complaints made against it since the show’s overhaul in 2015.
In 2018 the programme had 2,600 complaints about the treatment of Love Island contestant Dani Dyer.
Viewers contacted Ofcom after Danny Dyer’s daughter was shown misleading footage of her boyfriend Jack Fincham following the arrival of his ex-girlfriend.
However, Ofcom decided not to investigate the issue, with a spokesperson saying: “Viewers are likely to expect emotionally charged scenes."
The regular also chose not to investigate scenes between season four contestants Adam Collard and Rosie Williams after viewers criticised the male cast members treatment towards the female hopeful.
At the time, an Ofcom representative said: “We carefully considered viewers' concerns about the treatment of a female contestant by a male contestant on this established reality programme.
"While we appreciate this made for uncomfortable viewing for some people, we consider that viewers are likely to expect emotionally charged, confrontational scenes involving couples breaking up.
"Other contestants also expressed general disapproval in response to the male contestant's behaviour. We did not, therefore pursue these complaints."
In 2017, the show was heavily criticised for its airing of some of the contestants smoking.
The issue was debated in the House of Lords and Liberal Democrat, Lord Storey, accused ITV and cast of 2017 of glamorising smoking.
Show bosses have since changed the rules on smoking, with the villa and garden area off limits.
Now, a designated smoking area is in place but only one islander is able to use the smoking shelter at a time.
MORE ON LOVE ISLAND
What are the new reality show rules being proposed by Ofcom?
In July 2019 it was revealed that Ofcom is proposing new safeguards to protect TV reality stars.
The rules state that “due care must be taken over the welfare, well-being and dignity of participants in programmes”.
It will also warn telly bosses that “participants must not be caused unjustified distress or anxiety by taking part in programmes”.
It follows the deaths of former Love Island contestants Sophie Gradon and Mike Thalassitis and a suicide which led to the Jeremy Kyle show being cancelled by ITV.