Women's Aid calls for Love Island to investigate George Fensom
Women’s Aid calls for Love Island bosses to investigate claims of ‘controlling behaviour’ by contestant George Fensom
Women’s Aid have called upon the producers of Love Island to investigate the allegations of ‘abusive’ behaviour by contestant George Fensom.
The Bedford native, 24, is one of ten new islanders taking part in the new series of the show, which premieres on Monday.
But trouble has already started for the reality TV hopeful as two of his ex-girlfriends have accused him of controlling and abusive behaviour.
The women’s organisation took to Twitter on Monday and shared an article of George’s former partner Ebony Keeley saying she was left suicidal after their relationship.
Alongside it, they wrote: ‘We hope the producers will be taking allegations of controlling behaviour seriously, and look into them as part of their due diligence before the #LoveIsland series begins.’
Statement: Women’s Aid have called upon the producers of Love Island to investigate the allegations of ‘abusive’ behaviour by contestant George Fensom
They wrote: ‘We hope the producers will be taking allegations of controlling behaviour seriously, and look into them as part of their due diligence before the series begins’
It comes after George’s ex Katie Hewitt, who dated the soon to be reality star for 18 months after first meeting in 2017, claimed the relationship left her with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Speaking to The Sun, the 24-year-old urged ITV to listen to her and Ebony Keeley, another former girlfriend who previously made similar accusations, and axe George from the dating show.
Katie said her former partner controlled what she ate, what she wore and believes he cheated making her feel so worthless she stopped eating.
She also claimed the Business Development Executive from Bedford would scream abuse at her in public.
Katie said: ‘At the beginning it was lovely. But after six months I started to see how awful he was.’
After George dumped her in 2018, Katie said she refused to leave the house as her self-confidence was at rock bottom.
Speaking about his upcoming appearance Katie said: ‘He’s in there to get a brand deal and followers. I don’t think he’s capable of love as he’s a narcissist.
‘I was terrified to speak out but I hope I can show why it’s important for women to have a voice and not let men like George win.’
Claims: George’s ex Katie Hewitt, who dated the soon to be reality star for 18 months after first meeting in 2017, claimed the relationship left her with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (Katie and George pictured together)
George’s family said in a statement to MailOnline: ‘This is a one-sided account of a relationship George had six years ago when he was 18, and this is not behaviour we recognise.
‘We have been very reluctant to speak about this as we have no desire to in any way cause distress to George’s ex-girlfriends, but given George has no right to reply, and because of the strength of these unsubstantiated claims being made against him, we feel we have no choice.
‘These claims are false, unjustified and hurtful, and George would absolutely refute these. It has been very upsetting to see our son labelled using such damaging terms.
‘We know our son better than anyone and we also had close insights into these two relationships, and this isn’t the full story. George only ever wanted to end this amicably and move on in a civil manner so it is very sad it has come to this.
‘We would implore everyone to give him a chance to prove he is not the person he is being portrayed to be.’
Claims: Katie said her former partner controlled what she ate, what she wore and believes he cheated making her feel so worthless she stopped eating
Narcissist: In a TikTok video created in December last year, ex Ebony Keeley shared a series of photographs together that she captioned with her thoughts
A Love Island spokesperson said in a statement to MailOnline: ‘We have spoken to George and his family with regards to the allegations being made on social media. His family have responded with a statement.
‘The safeguarding and ongoing welfare of our contributors is always the top priority.
‘As part of our duty of care process, all Islanders undergo psychological evaluation prior to being selected for the show, and we also stipulate that all Islanders participate in our training programme around language and behaviour – this is a very important part of our pre-entry procedure.
‘We have a zero tolerance of any discriminatory language in the villa and we speak to all of the islanders to remind them of what we condone to be acceptable behaviour during their time on the show.
What is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)?
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder caused by very stressful, frightening or distressing events.
People with PTSD often suffer nightmares and flashbacks to the traumatic event and can experience insomnia and an inability to concentrate.
Symptoms are often severe enough to have a serious impact on the person’s day-to-day life, and can emerge straight after the traumatic event or years later.
PTSD is thought to affect about one in every three people who have a traumatic experience, and was first documented in the First World War in soldiers with shell shock.
People who are worried they have PTSD should visit their GP, who could recommend a course of psychotherapy or anti-depressants, the NHS say.
Combat Stress operate a 24-hour helpline for veterans, which can be reached on 0800 138 1619.
‘They are also spoken to daily by our welfare team to ensure they remain comfortable in their relationships.’
In a TikTok video created in December last year, ex Ebony Keeley shared a series of photographs together that she captioned with her thoughts.
One picture labelled him a narcissist, another called him a cheat and she claimed he ‘has low standards because he’s insecure’.
In another post she claimed he ‘constantly lied to others and made empty promises’ and stated he was ‘controlling over what she wore and put down her appearance.’
While posted six months ago the video has resurfaced after it was revealed on that George will be entering the Love Island villa on Monday.
A source close to George told MailOnline: ‘This is a totally inaccurate representation of who George really is and he is looking forward to viewers getting to know him properly when he is in the Villa.’
Speaking ahead of his villa debut George, a business development executive from Bedford, said said of the three most important things he looks for in a partner: ‘I want them to be passionate about something, whether it’s a job or enjoying trips to the zoo on Saturdays…
‘I prefer a girl who is naturally good looking, and someone who has even more banter than me – although I don’t believe that’s physically possible. I think those three qualities make for a perfect mix in a partner.’
When asked how his family would describe him, he went on: ‘I’m the first person to bring the vibe up, I’m always dancing, I’m always the one who wants to go out.
‘My go-to dance move is what I call the Dad Dance, I’m gonna bring dad jokes and dad dancing to the Villa.’
Earlier this month, ITV announced their duty of care procedures, which includes giving the Islanders video training on topics including mutually respectful behaviour in relationships, controlling and coercive behaviour and language around disability, sexuality, race and ethnicity, and microaggressions.
It comes after the last series was hit by hundreds of Ofcom complaints over ‘toxic’ behaviour from the female stars, with exchanges leaving their male co-stars in tears.
Bosses have formally introduced a guideline asking participants to ‘pause’ their social media accounts for the duration of their time on the show.
This is to ensure the stars and their families are ‘protected from the adverse effects of social media.’
It comes after George broke his silence over past homophobic tweets and accusations of exhibiting controlling behaviour over his ex-girlfriend.
He insisted that the messages do not reflect ‘the person he is today’ and revealed he had been left ‘upset’ by the accusations made by his ex, who also claimed he had cheated on her.
Cheat: One picture labelled him a narcissist, another called him a cheat and she claimed he ‘has low standards because he’s insecure’
Standards: She claimed he had low standards compared to the high standards she had
Accusations: In another post she claimed he ‘constantly lied to others and made empty promises’
Concerning: She stated he was ‘controlling over what she wore and put down her appearance’
Love Island’s duty of care protocols in full – ahead of the summer series
The full duty of care process is outlined below:
Pre Filming and Filming
– Registered mental health professional engaged throughout the whole series – from pre-filming to aftercare.
– Thorough pre-filming psychological and medical assessments including assessments by an independent doctor, psychological consultant and reports from each Islander’s own GP to check medical history.
– Potential Islanders are required to fully disclose in confidence any medical history that would be relevant to their inclusion in the Villa and the production’s ability to provide a suitable environment for them.
– Managing cast expectations: detailed explanations both verbally and in writing of the implications, both positive and negative, of taking part in the series are given to potential cast members throughout the casting process and reinforced within the contract so it is clear.
– Cast are told they should consider all the potential implications of taking part in the show and work through this decision-making process in consultation with their family and those closest to them, to ensure they feel it is right for them.
– Senior Team on the ground have received training in Mental Health First Aid.
– A welfare team solely dedicated to the Islanders both during the show and after.
Aftercare
– Bespoke training on dealing with social media and advice on finance and adjusting to life back home.
– A minimum of eight therapy sessions will be offered to each Islander when they return home.
– Proactive contact with Islanders for a period of 14 months after the series in which they have appeared has ended, with additional help provided where applicable.
– We encourage Islanders to secure management to represent them after the show and manage them should they choose to take part in other TV shows, advertising campaigns or other public appearance opportunities.
– Bespoke training on dealing with social media and advice on finance and adjusting to life back home.
– A minimum of eight therapy sessions will be offered to each Islander when they return home.
– Proactive contact with Islanders for a period of 14 months after the series in which they have appeared has ended, with additional help provided where applicable.
– We encourage Islanders to secure management to represent them after the show and manage them should they choose to take part in other TV shows, advertising campaigns or other public appearance opportunities.
Within hours of George being announced as a new Love Island contestant on Monday, fans discovered tweets in which he used homophobic slurs, calling his brother a ‘f****t’ and joking ‘some gay tweets day in day out’.
Speaking to MailOnline, George addressed the messages, saying: ‘It’s really unfortunate that that’s been bought up because that isn’t the person that I am today.
‘Looking back on those tweets, I was really naïve and really young to think that was the right thing to say. It’s obviously not the right thing to say on my behalf… That’s pretty much it really.’
Revealing that the messages were from 10 years ago, he continued: ‘We continue to learn now what is right and what is wrong. In regards to people saying that I’m not right for the villa, all I would say is this, everyone’s made mistakes.
‘Everyone has said things that they regret. The difference in the way that I’ll defend myself is the way that I’m owning that and I’ve admitted that that was the wrong thing to say.
‘And actually, if I could turn back time then I wouldn’t have said the things that I said. That’s all I can do to defend myself and say in this scenario.’
George also addressed a concerning TikTok video made by his ex-girlfriend where she accused him of controlling behaviour and cheating on her.
He explained: ‘I want to be as respectful as I can towards her because I appreciate that she isn’t in the public eye as I am in this scenario.
‘It’s really unfortunate and actually quite upsetting on my behalf that a picture has been painted about me in that light.
‘I’m looking forward to moving forward with things and going into the villa and just providing a new wave of energy and to prove that the things that have been written about me aren’t true. People can see a different light to me.’
Asked if the Love Island duty of care policies – which include video training on topics such as being mutually respectful in relationships – had had taught him anything, he responded: ‘Absolutely.
‘Every day is a learning day and everyday you learn things, no matter if it’s regards to a work aspect or relationships and things. People react differently to different things and people feel a certain way about different things as well.
‘I feel like by watching these videos by ITV, they have been really beneficial because it just refreshes your memory on what is acceptable and what isn’t acceptable. It’s really to constantly refresh and to think actually, these are the wrong ways and these are the right ways.’
MEET THE ISLANDERS
Ruchee Gurung
NAME: Ruchee Gurung
AGE: 24
FROM: Sutton
OCCUPATION: Beautician
WHY ENTER THE VILLA? I’m single and looking for love, and it’s the perfect opportunity for me to find someone. I’m a relationship kind of girl, but so far it’s not worked out for me.
WHY DATE ME? I’m really caring, when I’m with someone I’m all about them. I’m also really loyal and love doing nice things for the people that are special to me. My love language is gift giving, so I’m a real giver when it comes to relationships
Tyrique Hyde
NAME: Tyrique Hyde
AGE: 24
FROM: Essex
OCCUPATION: Footballer
WHAT WILL YOU BRING TO THE VILLA? I’ll bring vibes, confidence, good energy and honesty. I don’t sit on the fence, if I have an opinion I will speak up. I’m also not afraid to go after what I want
CLAIM T0 FAME? Toby Aromolaran is one of my best friends, we grew up together and were in the same class at school
Molly Marsh
NAME: Molly Marsh
AGE: 24
FROM: Yorkshire
OCCUPATION: Actress
WHY LOVE ISLAND AND WHY NOW? I think it’s ideal timing and the perfect way to find someone.
I don’t go out and party and I don’t use dating apps, I’m actually quite old-fashioned, so there’s no better way to meet someone than by going into a Villa in the sun with the potential ‘one’ in there.
George Fensom
NAME: George Fensom
AGE: 24
FROM: Bedford
OCCUPATION: Business Development Executive
HOW WOULD YOUR FAMILY DESCRIBE YOU? I’m the first person to bring the vibe up, I’m always dancing, I’m always the one who wants to go out. My go-to dance move is what I call the Dad Dance, I’m gonna bring dad jokes and dad dancing to the Villa.’
Catherine Agbaje
NAME: Catherine Agbaje
AGE: 22
FROM: Dublin
OCCUPATION: Commercial Real Estate Agent
HOW WOULD FAMILY AND FRIENDS DESCRIBE YOU? Someone who is fun and a loving character. They know I have so much love to give.
I’m always smiling, I’m always happy, I’m always laughing. You’ll always see me with a smile on my face.’
Mehdi Edno
NAME: Mehdi Edno
AGE: 26
FROM: Bordeaux/London
OCCUPATION: Communications Manager/Model
ARE YOU READY TO FIND THE ONE? Yes. I’ve been busy for the last few years with work, and doing my Masters degree but now I’m done with the busy schedule, and ready to find love.
THREE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS TO HAVE IN A PARTNER? Looks are important but they aren’t everything, a good sense of humour and someone who is outgoing and up for an adventure is what I’m looking for.
NAME: Ella Thomas
AGE: 23
FROM: Glasgow
OCCUPATION: Model
WHAT’S YOUR CLAIM TO FAME? I’ve been in a Headie One and Burna Burna Boy music video and I was once an extra in World War Z. I was 12 years old when I filmed it and got to meet Brad Pitt which was cool.
WHY SHOULD SOMEBODY DATE YOU? I’m the whole package, I know what I want in life and I’ve got a big heart.
Mitchel Taylor
NAME: Mitchel Taylor
AGE: 26
FROM: Sheffield
OCCUPATION: Gas engineer
WHY SHOULD SOMEBODY DATE YOU? I thrive on being a gentleman. I’ll shower you with flowers, I’ll take you on dates, I’ll fill your bedside drawer with your favourite sweets and chocolate. I’ve been single, I’ve had my fun and now I want to settle down.
WHY ARE YOU SINGLE? I’m just really picky. I’ve got to find the girl that I want to marry and have kids with. I’m nearly 27, I don’t want to play the field anymore, I want to find the one.
Jess Harding
NAME: Jess Harding
AGE: 22
FROM: London
OCCUPATION: Aesthetics Practitioner
WHY ARE YOU SINGLE? Because every boy is giving me the ick at the moment. I feel like it’s fate because I’m saving myself for Mr Right in the Villa!
WHAT GIVES YOU THE ICK? When a guy stunts for money, that’s an ick. Showing off all their designer clothes because most of the time they’re probably fake anyway! Another one is when a boy runs for the train and the train goes without him. Lunch Boxes also – just go to Tesco and get a meal deal!
Andre Furtado
NAME: Andre Furtado
AGE: 21
FROM: Dudley
OCCUPATION: Economics graduate and clothing brand entrepreneur
WHAT WILL YOU BRING TO THE VILLA? I’m charming, I’m going to bring good looks and some language lessons. I’m going to teach the other Islanders Portuguese, Spanish and a little bit of Creole. I think I’ve got every slice of the pie.
DO YOU FALL IN LOVE QUICKLY? I would say I fall too quickly to be honest. When I look at beautiful ladies, before I’ve said hello to them I’ve already fallen in love. I’m already planning the wedding.
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