The mother of Love Island star Joe Garratt has said she’s “devastated” by claims he has been “controlling” towards fellow islander Lucie Donlan.
Sandwich maker Joe was voted out in last night’s episode after his fellow islanders thought he and surfer Lucie were the least compatible.
Prior to Joe leaving the villa, he had been criticised by Woman’s Aid charity and viewers, who branded his behaviour towards Lucie “controlling” and “abusive”.
Read more: Ofcom receives 800 complaints about Love Island
At the weekend, Lucie was seen breaking down in tears as Joe said he isn’t happy that she’s been hanging out with Tommy and the other boys in the villa and advised her to “maybe get closer to the girls”.
However, in last night’s episode, Joe told Lucie he regretted doubting her friendship with Tommy and said he’s “completely fine” with her getting on with the boys more than the girls.
Speaking to the Mail Online, Joe’s mum Rachel has insisted her son is “not like how he’s being portrayed”.
She said: “Both myself and his sister are his best friends. He doesn’t emotionally control anyone. What has been said in the newspapers today is just sheer rubbish, that is not my boy.
“I see him every day of the week and there’s no way he would make a girl cry. He’s a normal, loving 22-year-old lad. He’s got hundreds of friends, he goes to the gym every day. They all love him. He goes and plays rugby at the local club, they all love him.
“No friend he’s got, boy or girl, nor any of his ex-girlfriends have got a bad word to say about him. It’s a real shame this has happened.”
TV watchdog Ofcom received 1,215 complaints for two issues in the villa – Maura’s advances towards Tommy during and the treatment of Lucie by the other contestants.
A spokesperson said: “We will assess these complaints against our broadcasting rules, but are yet to decide whether or not to investigate.”
Domestic abuse charity Woman’s Aid called out Joe’s behaviour following the complaints.
In a statement on the Women’s Aid website, Adina Claire, co-chief executive, said: “Controlling behaviour is never acceptable, and with Love Island viewers complaining to Ofcom in record numbers about Joe’s possessive behaviour towards Lucie, more people are becoming aware of this and want to challenge it.
Read more: Women’s Aid charity praises Love Island viewers for “calling out unhealthy behaviour”
“Abusive relationships often start off with subtle signs of control, so it’s important that it is recognised at an early stage.
“Love Island viewers are now very vocal in calling out unhealthy behaviour between couples on the show, and this is a positive development.”
Joe’s mum Rachel has hit out at the charity, saying she and his sister are “devastated” by the comments made and claimed the charity “never contacted” them.
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