Tasha Ghouri's father has spoken out about her hearing issues and explained why she was in tears during Friday's instalment of Love Island.
Taking to Instagram, Tarek Ghouri posted an adorable snap of Tasha as a child dressed in a cute angel costume.
He captioned the photo: "Some people have had more knock backs than many others in their 23 years. It’s not about just being in the danger zone 3 times. Look beyond what you see people! Imagine your youth being deaf. #@tashaghouri @loveisland."
Many Instagram users were quick to comment on the post and share their well wishes for Tasha after viewers saw her in tears during Friday's episode.
In response to one person's comment, Tarek wrote: "I’m happy to answer these Questions. Firstly, I have always encouraged Tasha to do what she thinks is impossible. I would never restrict her from achieving her desires from life.
"Part of a Dads job is to guide but not drive their kids ships. This mentality has got her to where she is today. Despite the negativity she was successful before she went in and she will be successful when she comes out.
"We talked about the possible negativity and if you think you are prepared for it you are not. Negativity is not what we do in this family so it is a bit of a shock but more so is the ablest comments like last night when someone described her as a 'deaf wh*re'."
Tarek continued: "Tash wanted to do it to represent and show deaf kids, teens and adults that they have nothing to fear by embracing their deafness or hearing aids. It’s why hers is bright white!
"It’s also why she is the ONLY love island contestant ever to publicly say she will donate half of any winnings to the deaf children's charity. A positive story that’s been left behind as news does. This was publicised the first few days of her going in the villa.
"I applaud her and we will deal with the negativity. She lets nothing stop her. it’s mentally draining for her trying to compute what’s been said, lip reading people who’s lips arnt facing her or whose mouths are covered with bottles, who said what when many are talking (sic)."
He went on to explain: "Staying involved in conversation when you can only hear robotic sounds in only one of your ears is mentally draining. This leads to tiredness and sometimes tears.
"It’s a pressured environment for all but she has an extra pressure no one seems to recognise apart from anyone who is deaf or heard of hearing.
"Thank you to everyone who’s posted on this page with positive messages . Truly from the bottom of Tashas and our hearts. #bekind #loveisland #loveislandmemes #loveislandspoilers," Tarek added.
Tasha was seen crying during Friday's night's episode of Love Island after Josh and Coco were dumped from the villa.
Tasha had found herself in the firing line alongside boyfriend Andrew after the public had voted for their favourite Islanders, and it had clearly upset her.
As Gemma Owen and Paige Thorne joined her on a day bed, they tried to comfort Tasha and encouraged her to not think about what the public think of her.
Love Island continues tonight at 9pm on ITV2 and ITV Hub.
