Love Island UK: Network Responds To Accusations Of Racist Editing
The network of Love Island UK season 8 has responded to allegations of racist editing from viewers. ITV has been home to the British dating show since its 2015 debut. After the latest season premiered June 6, ITV reported Love Island season 8 received the highest ratings in years. But in less celebratory news, the first eliminations started some serious backlash.
While the first contestant to leave the villa was Liam, he chose to for personal reasons. The first recoupling ceremony saw Afia Tonkmor as the only woman not picked, making her the first proper elimination. Remi Lambert had the same fate in the second recoupling. The same episode that sent Remi packing ended with an announcement viewers would get to vote for their favorite boy and girl. On Tuesday, June 21, it was revealed that the contestants with the least amount of votes were original stars Amber Beckford and Ikenna Ekwonna, and both went home. The first four eliminated contestants all being Black didn't sit right with many viewers, who named editing as the cause. Now, ITV has seen these complaints and issued a response.
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ITV's response was reported by The Sun UK on Wednesday, June 22. This came after Twitter uses wrote they weren't surprised by Amber and Ikenna's elimination. As they put it, Black contestants had the least amount of screen time, so it's no wonder they got the fewest votes. In response, a spokesperson for the network stated, “We would take any suggestion that any editorial decisions are made based on race very seriously indeed and would refute this in the strongest possible terms." The network continued that spokespeople "have also stated on numerous occasions that owing to
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