A domestic abuse charity has raised questions about Adam Collard’s behaviour on Love Island.
Women’s Aid has urged women to recognise “unhealthy behaviour in relationships” following recent scenes on the ITV2 dating show between Adam and fellow contestant Rosie Williams.
Gym owner Adam, 22, has annoyed some viewers with his treatment of solicitor Rosie, 26, after turning his affections to newcomer Zara McDermott, a 21-year-old government advisor.
A heartbroken Rosie had poured her heart out to Adam on a recent episode, tearfully telling him she felt embarrassed and hurt that he fancied Zara, especially as just days earlier she’d been intimate in bed with him, and she felt they had a future together.
Adam, however, doesn’t think he’s done nothing wrong and suggested Rosie’s behaviour had pushed him away from her, rather than Zara’s arrival.
Read more: Love Island Adam’s family defend his behaviour on “edited” show
Viewers were also riled that Adam appeared to smirk as Rosie broke down, although he did later say he didn’t like watching Rosie cry or be upset.
Adam had previously ditched contestant Kendall Rae Knight in favour of Rosie, before Zara’s arrival.
Katie Ghose, the chief executive of Women’s Aid, has said: “On the latest series of Love Island, there are clear warning signs in Adam’s behaviour.
“In a relationship, a partner questioning your memory of events, trivialising your thoughts or feelings, and turning things around to blame you can be part of pattern of gaslighting and emotional abuse.”
Women’s Aid went on to applaud Rosie for “[calling] out Adam’s unacceptable behaviour on the show” and urged other women to follow her lead.
“We ask viewers to join her in recognising unhealthy behaviour in relationships and speaking out against all forms of domestic abuse – emotional as well as physical. It is only when we make a stand together against abuse in relationships that we will see attitudes change and an end to domestic abuse.”
Adam’s family, however, issued a statement via Instagram reminding Love Island viewers that only one-hour of action is aired from a 24-hour period each night.
They also pointed out the show is “edited” into an hour so viewers only get a snippet of what happens.
Their statement said: “Well it’s been an eventful 24 hours 👀. I think everyone needs to remember that Love Island is a reality game show and everyone only sees 1 hour of edited footage per night.”
It concluded: “Adam is doing what he feels is right for him and it is nice to see someone doing what they actually feel is right as oppose playing up to the cameras (sic).”
Some viewers, however, feel Adam’s treatment of Rosie has been unfair.
The way Adam is sat there smug when Rosie is pouring her heart out, is breaking my heart she's a million times better than him #loveisland
— Sylvija Vasilevska (@Sylvijaa) June 19, 2018
Men acting the way that Adam is acting when Rosie is trying to say her bit is why we all end up crazy at some point. #loveisland
— Amanda J (@fancypantsmanda) June 19, 2018
https://twitter.com/caitlynvanbeckx/status/1009168769263038464
https://twitter.com/hollsbeee/status/1009179926484934657
https://twitter.com/elainecopeland_/status/1009179179915636740
Others, however, feel Adam has done nothing wrong and is simply looking for love and following his heart, which is the whole premise of the show.
https://twitter.com/ste200493/status/1009530112377794560
https://twitter.com/rsholland98/status/1009174105055285253
Is it just me or has Adam done nothing wrong?🤷🏽♂️ #loveisland
— Liam (@Liamnorth01) June 19, 2018
Among those who have defended Adam is former TOWIE star Lauren Goodger, who accused Rosie of acting “a bit psycho” when she’s known Adam just ten days.
Lauren said on This Morning: “I don’t condone being horrible to girls but it’s a TV show and it’s a game, it’s Love Island! They have known each other how many days?”
“I think the girls are acting a bit psycho. I’m a girls’ girl, please believe me. I would be different and play the game. But the reason Adam has jumped ship is that they are acting psycho.”
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Lauren added: “Women be stronger! Take control! Don’t let the boys decide. That’s what I’m trying to get across. They are letting Adam treat them this way.”
ED! has contacted Love Island for comment.
What do you think about Adam’s behaviour? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know.
If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse in a relationship, call the Freephone 24/7 National Domestic Violence Helpline, run by Women’s Aid in partnership with Refuge, on 0808 2000 247 or visit www.womensaid.org.uk.