Ulrika Jonsson has hit out the current series of Love Island and described it as "the biggest vehicle for seriously toxic masculinity".
The 54-year-old TV presenter expressed her concern over the behaviour of the boys in the 2022 series and says she totally understands why domestic abuse charities - Women’s Aid and Refuge - have expressed their concern.
Earlier this month, the arrival of Adam Collard into the villa caused alarm with some viewers as he had sparked controversy with the way he treated some contestants when he appeared on the show back in 2018.
The charity Women's Aid even publicly slammed the show for bringing him back after claiming he had displayed 'gaslighting' traits towards female contestants in the past.
While the women's charity Refuge has also blasted the show for airing scenes that they feel display 'toxic masculinity'.
Ulrika has added her voice to the growing chorus of concern, writing in The Sun: "This series has not only been hugely frustrating but deeply worrying. Especially as we know a huge chunk of its audience is young and impressionable and could think certain behaviour is acceptable."
She continued: "A third of teenage girls have experienced some form of relationship abuse and 64 per cent of the remaining two thirds have endured it without recognising it as harmful behaviour. So we have a duty not to gloss over conduct like this."
She added: "There have been many shocking examples in the series, some less blatant than others. It has become like some televisual definition of misogyny itself.
"Putting aside, briefly, the tribal overtones among the men — the pack mentality, the back-slapping and chest-beating — it’s their sense of ownership of the women that might seem subtle and could go unnoticed to the untrained eye."
The TV legend went on to highlight examples of where male contestants had used language that suggested they wanted to project ownership on their preferred female match.
And another had suggested that a female contestant was 'wifey material', which she criticised as an example of failing to consider whether the woman in question would even want to get married.
Refuge boss Ruth Davison has already said the effect on youngsters watching the show is “potentially dangerous”.
The charity, which supports thousands of people every day over abuse and violence in relationships, warns there is nothing real about the “pressure cooker” environment of the Majorca villa and has called on ITV to take action.
Refuge and a second domestic abuse charity, Women’s Aid, stepped in after TV regulator Ofcom received thousands of complaints alleging that some scenes displayed misogyny and controlling behaviour.
Ms Davison said: “Refuge stands by its assertions that some specific behaviours we have seen in the last few weeks are unacceptable.
“We remain concerned about the impact that seeing these dynamics broadcast for entertainment purposes might have. There’s a very real risk that the – predominantly younger – audience could see these as regular behaviours, when they are potentially dangerous.”
However, ITV have defended the scenes that have been aired, with Executive producer Mike Spencer stating: “I’d be cautious about a phrase like toxic masculinity. We showcase real relationships and real people, which is why the show is relatable.
“There are ups and downs in every relationship. We care for our Islanders and make sure they are protected.
“I wouldn’t want to bandy about a term which is so serious, when globally there are people going through very extreme things in relationships.”
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