Content warning: This article contains mentions of suicide. Do not read on if that topic is potentially triggering.
In the face of Love Island USA Season 6’s reunion, production has called on fans to be more kind. Unfortunately, the plea didn’t come from nowhere. Recently, three people attached to the Love Island franchise died by suicide.
Sophie Gardon, Mike Thalassitis, and former host Caroline Flack all took their own lives. Their deaths sent shockwaves through the reality TV world and beyond, and also called into question the ethics and decency around the television genre.
As such, it was no surprise when reps from the show decided to make a public statement.
Love Island USA fans call on production to take accountability
On August 19, the Love Island USA Twitter account posted a plea for kindness and consideration. The post reminded viewers that “the reunion is full of drama, but remember – these are real people.” The account further encouraged others to “keep it kind and positive. Let’s end the season with the same love and respect we started with!”
In the body of the tweet, users also read, “The cast are all part of the Love Island USA fam now, and while we love your passion for them, we ask that you always choose to be kind.” Former Love Island star, Daniela Ortiz-Rivera, echoed the tweet’s sentiment on TikTok. She asserted that Season 6 received more online hate than any other previous season.
Meanwhile, on Twitter, fans called on the show to make some changes. As one reply put it, “I agree that we should all be kind but take a little accountability before you pretend to care about the islanders because the real problem is how production manipulates footage to create a narrative that turns viewers against cast members, leading to relentless bullying.”
Another reply claimed that the “kindness of production was selective all season.” Other fans wondered what mental health resources the show provided to its cast.
The Love Island USA Season 6 reunion airs tonight, August 19, at 9 p.m. ET.
TELL US – WHAT DID YOU THINK OF THE ONLINE REACTIONS TO SEASON 6?
