Love Island: Women’s Aid release statement about Joe’s behaviour
The Lucie-Joe situation on Love Island is getting out of hand – if you look at social media.
The 22-year-old Londoner has been accused of manipulative and controlling behaviour towards his partner, 21-year-old Lucie Donlon.
The surfer has been shown to be in tears on numerous occasions when Joe has said he doesn't like her close relationship with Tommy and thinks she should hang out with the girls more.
Now, Women’s Aid UK has released a statement regarding this behaviour.
Adina Claire is the Co-Chief Executive of the woman's advocacy group and she was the one who spoke about the subject.
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.''
Joe telling lucy its time to start spending more time with the girls and not the boys is a horrendous thing to say, who cares who’s she’s friends with! #loveisland
— Sam Bird (@SamRobertBird) June 16, 2019
She continued, ''Abusive relationships often start off with subtle signs of control, so it’s important that it is recognised at an early stage. Love Island viewers are now very vocal in calling out unhealthy behaviour between couples on the show, and this is a positive development.”
Fans of the show are also worried for Lucie as it seems that she is quite isolated in there now, with no-one except Maura going to see if she was ok after her talk with Joe.
“I hoping this is the day she wakes up and she changes” I’m sorry joe but she doesn’t have to change for you you’re fully a control freak. So many red flags #loveisland
— Anna (@annadoodle7) June 16, 2019
One said, ''Can’t believe Joe really just said “think it’s time to get close to the girls” to Lucie like????? Is she not allowed male friends. Lucie pls leave him.''
While another wrote, ''Lucie is probably the least shadiest girl in the villa and she's been nothing but nice but sis is out here crying every night because she feels so alienated thanks to Amy's manipulations. And to make things worse now Joe's turned too.''
Producers of the show have said that they are taking the situation seriously.
A spokesman said, ''We take the emotional well-being of all the islanders extremely seriously. We have dedicated welfare producers and psychological support on hand at all times who monitor and regularly speak to all of the islanders in private and off camera, especially if someone appears to be upset.''
They continued, '' All the Islanders are therefore fully supported by the professionals on site and by their friends in the villa.This means islanders are always able to reach out and talk to someone if they feel the need. We will, of course, continue to monitor all of our islanders in line with our robust protocols.''
If you have been affected by any of the issues raised you can contact Women's Aid Ireland on free phone 24 hours a day on 1800 341 900.
