Joe Garratt releases statement about relationship with Lucie
Love Island's Joe Garratt has released a statement regarding his treatment of Lucie Donlan in the villa, and it's fairly stubborn.
The sandwich maker has refused to apologise for his behaviour on the show, and insisted that he never tried to 'control' his fellow contestant.
Over 300 complaints were made to television watchdog Ofcom regarding how Lucie was treated by the hit ITV2 programme.
Joe was axed this week along with Elma Pazar, and left Lucie in tears after telling her to avoid male friendships on the show, mainly with Tommy Fury.
The 22-year-old has since denied any wrongdoing, telling The Sun; “I didn’t manipulate or abuse her and I’m gutted it’s been perceived that way.
“I’d do everything and anything to help her as she had a hard time in there and didn’t get on with the girls. I thought I did right.”
He also had no idea that "snakey" Amy Hart was slagging Lucie off behind her back.
The 21-year-old surfer chick broke down several times on Love Island, leading to criticism of ITV for a perceived failure to offer her guidance and support.
The broadcaster insisted that it provided psychological support to any upset contestants.
Joe was targeted for telling Lucie to avoid other boys on te show, which led to Women's Aid to release a statement about his 'abusive behaviour'.
Controlling behaviour is never acceptable, and we're pleased to see more and more people spotting the early warning signs on #LoveIsland https://t.co/Bh3Gi2nRqs
— Women's Aid (@womensaid) June 17, 2019
Joe has refused to apologise, but admitted that he “may have worded things wrong”;
“I may have worded things wrong and the cameras are on you 24/7. I’m young and inexperienced. I’m not going to say sorry," he added.
"I didn’t know how I was coming across on the outside. I’d no idea I was being perceived in that sense.”
Concerns over Lucie's well-being come amid heightened worries over the welfare of reality TV stars.
Two high-profile suicides of ex-Love Island contestants, 32-year-old Sophie Gradon and 26-year-old Mike Thalassitis , have led to widespread criticism of the show.
Bosses of ITV have also been slated for failing to show accurate portrayals of sexual orientations, gender-identities, body diversity or racial representation on the show.
MPs on the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) Committee have launched an inquiry into the problems surrounding reality TV.
Feature image: ITV2
