The family of Love Island’s Luca Bish have apologised and addressed the star’s angry reaction to Gemma Owen on Sunday night’s episode.
They also revealed they have received “death threats” in statement on social media.
Luca, 23, received backlash from viewers for his attitude towards Gemma, 19, after he saw clips of her supposedly “flirting” with Casa Amor bombshell Billy Brown during Movie Night in the Villa.
The fishmonger was visibly annoyed at seeing the clips and verbalised his anger towards Gemma several times afterwards, leading fans to leave their unhappy comments about the Islander on social media.
His family have since responded to his behaviour on the episode, writing on Instagram Stories: “I want to apologise on behalf of Luca for his insensitive reaction on last night’s episode.
“I know that when he watches it back, he will be embarrassed and deeply apologetic. We, as his family, don’t condone his behaviour last night, but we do understand he is in an intense environment where his emotions are heightened.
“Last night was not reflective of the boy we all know and love at home.”
It continued: “Please be aware death threats and nasty comments totally overstepped the mark and something we, as a family, should not have to endure, for this reason we have turned off the comments and messages.
“All those who have sent messages checking in on us, we would like to thank you very much and we see you.”
Luca pulled Gemma for a chat after Movie Night as he told her “you were entertaining it” when discussing the clip with her and Billy.
She replied: “No I wasn’t.”
Fans have called for Gemma to “break up” with Luca following Sunday night’s episode.
One person tweeted: “#gemmaowen needs to RUN from @LucaBish immediately. Why would anyone want to be with him after witnessing his behaviour last night! Nasty little s***.”
Despite the backlash, ex contestant Coco Lodge gave her positive thoughts on Luca and Gemma’s relationship when a fan asked if she thinks the pair will make up.
She responded: “Yes, they are such a strong couple in the villa. They are inseparable and it’s so sweet to see them both so happy.”
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