Love Island has proved as controversial as ever this year, with yet more viewers complaining to Ofcom about “unacceptable” events in the infamous villa.
This time, Michael Griffith’s behaviour towards Amber Gill prompted fans of the show to contact the UK government-approved regulatory body, believing his behaviour to be harmful and offensive.
Read more: Love Island fans claim show is ‘fixed’ so Michael and Amber get back together
Love Island viewers know that Michael and Amber were a couple during the first few weeks in the villa, until his head was turned by new girl Joanna Chimonides.
Amber was left heartbroken when Michael dumped her for the new girl, and then tried to distance himself from his ex – despite many believing they are the better match.
And it was during an encounter between Michael and Amber that viewers saw red.
Read more: Love Island’s Amy Hart admits she could re-create ‘team Pritchard’ wih Curtis’ brother AJ
On Monday night (15 July), Michael decided to put Amber in her place once and for all, calling her over for a chat in a way that some viewers found aggressive.
Ordering her to “sit down” on the coloured bean bags, he proceeded to tell her that he wasn’t interested in her anymore.
He said: “I am still ultimately in the same place where I want to get to know Joanna. I just wanted to be 100 per cent clear [with you].”
Fans were livid with the way the firefighter spoke to Amber, with many calling him out on Twitter.
And at least 147 called Ofcom to express their disgust at his behaviour.
A spokesperson for the broadcasting watchdog told RadioTimes.com that “the majority related to Michael’s behaviour”, which was deemed “unacceptable” by fans.
One viewer blasted: “I tell my dog to sit more politely than Michael just told Amber to sit. Disgusting.”
I tell my dog to sit more politely than Michael just told Amber to sit. Disgusting. #loveisland
— Chlo (@ChloeBagnall98) July 15, 2019
https://twitter.com/oreoluwaaaa1/status/1150886812514226176?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1150886812514226176&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.radiotimes.com%2Fnews%2Ftv%2F2019-07-16%2Flove-island-attracts-147-ofcom-complaints-as-fans-slam-michaels-unacceptable-behaviour%2F
But you didn’t say ‘can you sit down please?’ Did you Michael? No, you shouted ‘sit down Amber’ like she’s a dog? Take responsibility 🤦🏼♀️ #LoveIsland
— iwi (@IwiLukacova) July 16, 2019
Ambers not a dog Michael 😡#LoveIsland
— Chloe BSc, MA🦻🏻🧏🏻♀️ (@PastelUnicorn5) July 15, 2019
Michael tells Amber to sit down like she's a dog then talks to her like he has a 30 second timer on?? #LoveIsIand
— Abi R (@LoveIslandAbi) July 15, 2019
Who is Michael gonna couple up with? Like what is the actual point of him being there? The way he has treated Amber is unacceptable #LoveIsland
— ✨ (@hopetokeepgoing) July 15, 2019
Viewers know that tensions reached boiling point in the villa following a shock exit on Monday, when recruitment consultant Joanna was told she had to leave the villa after being voted the least deserving to stay by the public AND her fellow housemates.
Despite Michael saying he had “found everything he was looking for” in Joanna, he ultimately chose NOT to leave the villa with her.
Doesn’t look good, does it?
Michael’s behaviour wasn’t the first time viewers had felt the need to complain to Ofcom.
Joe Garratt’s ‘controlling behaviour’ towards Lucie Donlan received 302 Ofcom complaints, while Maura Higgins’ overly keen attempt to woo Tommy Fury drew over 700 complaints from viewers.
The regulator has since deemed the scenes not guilty of breaking Ofcom rules.
During the 2018 series, the regulator received 2,500 complaints when eventual winner Dani Dyer was shown a video of boyfriend Jack Fincham in Casa Amor with his ex-girlfriend.
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