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Love Island USA’s social media accounts urged viewers to be kind to the contestants on social media ahead of Monday night’s reunion episode, which concluded the show’s latest season, which saw record viewership numbers – and was also criticized by contestants and viewers for online bullying of the islanders.
Love Island’s social media accounts asked fans to be nice to the contestants ahead of Monday … (+)
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Love Island’s social media accounts reminded viewers that while the reunion episode was “full of drama,” the contestants were real people and urged fans to “stay kind and positive.”
In the reunion episode, which was already filmed in New York and will not be broadcast live, the candidates discuss the events of the season several weeks after moving out of the “Love Island” villa in Fiji, where the show was filmed for a month.
Some contestants have been victims of online bullying after leaving the villa. Contestant Daniela Ortiz-Rivera said it was a shock because “nobody expected it to be this big,” referring to this season’s record ratings, which NBC said are double those of previous seasons.
Ortiz-Rivera posted a tearful message on TikTok, saying she was “heartbroken” that contestants were being harassed online and urged fans to be kinder because the islanders “go through so much and everyone learns from their mistakes.”
Contestants, including Andrea Carmona, who entered the villa on day six and left her fans confused when she decided to be in a relationship with a man who fans thought was already in a committed relationship, have spoken out about the hate online. Carmona explained on TikTok that she could handle the rude comments but hoped fans would not speak hatefully to other contestants.
Caine Bacon also released an emotional apology video on TikTok after he came under criticism and was reportedly cut from the reunion episode for sharing TikTok videos in which he appeared to make fun of the use of chopsticks and Korean words in a Korean restaurant.
When will the Love Island reunion air?
The “Love Island” reunion streaming begins Monday night at 9 p.m. EDT on Peacock. Most of the main cast members, including host Ariana Madix, will be in attendance. The reunion streaming comes nearly a month after winners Kordell Beckham and Serena Page were crowned on July 21.
Important background
Love Island sees single men and women, mostly in their twenties, spend the summer in a villa, cut off from the outside world and forced to date and become “a couple.” Season 6 was a huge success for the U.S. version, reaching its highest streaming numbers ever. Love Island first appeared on Nielsen’s weekly streaming charts and in July it totaled one billion minutes streamed in a single week for the first time. The U.S. version premiered in 2019, several years after the original U.K. version became an international hit.
tangent
Love Island UK has previously faced controversy over online harassment and the mental health issues of former contestants. The show came under increased scrutiny after two former contestants and host Caroline Flack committed suicide between 2018 and 2020. A British parliamentary committee launched an inquiry into the ethics of reality TV in 2019, citing the deaths linked to Love Island. Producers have since hired psychologists, provided training on social media and dealing with negative comments, and offered contestants post-show therapy sessions.
More information
When is the Love Island USA Season 6 reunion? Cast, where to watch and stream (USA Today)
Love Island USA heats up with season 6 as streaming viewership doubles (Deadline)
