Love Island sparks intense backlash as Harrison Solomon returns: 'How was this allowed?'
Harrison has sparked furyLove Island has received massive backlash from fans as Harrison Solomon became the latest male bombshell to enter the villa – after a very controversial time last year.
It’s been quite the dramatic series so far, with arguments and splits causing chaos in the villa. But nothing has sparked as much backlash as Harrison’s shock bombshell entrance during Wednesday night’s episode (February 9).
He was first on the show only seven months ago, and during his time there, his antics sparked outrage. And it even led to a Women’s Aid statement being released. Now, fans are fuming. But Harrison is insisting he has changed a lot.
Harrison sparks backlash from Love Island fans
During his previous time on Love Island, Harrison kept going back-and-forth between two girls, Toni – who went on to win the show – and Lauren, who he had a brief relationship with on the outside. His behaviour last year was called out by quite a lot of fans. And Women’s Aid charity even released their own statement.
At the time, the charity said to The Tab: “We still see unhealthy patterns of behaviour on these shows, showing just how steeped in misogyny and sexism our society still is. Women are often lied to, slut-shamed and manipulated, as well as laughed at behind their backs.
“Misogyny and sexism lay the foundation for the tolerance of abuse and violence – it reinforces a culture that excuses and trivialises violence against women and girls. More must be done to educate contestants on sexism and misogyny, and it is a great credit to viewers who take to social media, continuing to call out these behaviours as soon as they see them.”
Fans weren’t forgetting that statement. And took to social media to express their annoyance that Harrison was allowed back on Love Island.
One penned: “Bringing Harrison back after Women’s Aid called him out is crazy.”
Another added: “Just submitted another Ofcom complaint because Harrison is back in that villa. He was the worst last year.”
“How was Harrison allowed to do Love Island again after everything he did last year?” a third asked.
An enraged fan commented: “This isn’t okay. I shouldn’t have to watch Harrison on Love Island again.”
ITV has been contacted for comment.
What has he said about his previous experience?
However, despite the negativity, Harrison is adamant that he has changed from his time on the show previously, to now.
Speaking about his Love Island experience, Harrison admitted that he had made mistakes during his time on the show.
He explained: “I feel like I didn’t handle certain situations very well. And even though it’s only been seven or eight months since the show, I have done a lot of growing up and reflection.
“I have looked back at the show and I was a bit embarrassed by my actions sometimes. I’m actually glad that it did happen on national television.”
The 23 year old emphasised that he is a “very different man” this time, as the last experience was a “wake up moment”.
The heart rate challenge results revealed tonight…
Harrison immediately sent pulses racing in the villa, as he wasted no time in getting to know quite a few of the girls. And then they all had to take part in the heart rate challenge. Harrison wasn’t the only bombshell, as Joey Essex’s ex, Jessy Potts also made her arrival.
And tonight, the heart rate results will be revealed. In a first look for tonight’s episode, Belle reads out which girl got pulses racing the most – and it’s all eyes on Jessy.
After the results, Lucinda comments that Jessy has “made an impression”.
But for Harrison, it’s Cher that he wants to speak to the most. And he wastes no time in telling her he feels they would “have a better time” together than her and Jack.
What exactly goes down remains to be seen, but we can definitely expect some fireworks.
Love Island: All Stars continues tonight at 9pm on ITV2.
