Love Island makers sued for pressuring female contestants to have sex
Love Island makers are sued over allegations that female contestants ‘were pressured to have sex and black islanders were treated differently’ in US version of the show
The makers of Love Island are being sued of allegations that female contestants are being ‘pressured to have sex and black contestants are being mistreated’ on the US version of the show.
The claims made against ITV and NBCUniversal – the producers of Love Island USA – include Islanders being treated poorly during the fourth series of the reality tv show, it has been reported.
According to documents obtained by People, former Villa producers Jasmine Crestwell and Alex Rinks allege producers from the UK branch of the show were hired to boost ratings.
It also claimed that crew members had a ‘history of racism and abusive practices’ that affected the mental health of the show’s stars.
Allegations within the court documents said that executive producers ‘pressured female Islanders to engage in sexual relationships without regard for their personal preferences or genuine consent’.
The makers of Love Island are being sued of allegations that female contestants are being ‘pressured to have sex and black contestants are being mistreated’ on the US version of the show. Pictured: Sereniti Springs on the show
In the lawsuit it also claimed that crew members had a ‘history of racism and abusive practices’ that affected the mental health of the show’s stars
It also claimed that Sereniti Springs, who was ‘one of the few women of colour on the show’ was treated differently than the others
It reportedly claimed that producers ‘were flippant with the concept of sexual consent’, adding that some producers ‘openly commented on video feeds of female Islanders showering and having sex, creating a deeply uncomfortable work environment’.
It also claimed that Sereniti Springs, who was ‘one of the few women of colour on the show’ was treated differently than the others, with the lawsuit alleging they sabotaged her.
Ms Crestwell and Mr Links have said they were unfairly dismissed after raising the allegations.
Love Island USA began in 2018 and is one of 22 versions that have been launched worldwide, following the success of the original UK show.
ITV America has denied the claims. A spokesperson told MailOnline: ‘This is a frivolous attack at an opportunistic moment, timed to the Season 5 debut, made by two former employees who were terminated for cause, purely in relation to their job performance.
‘These characterizations are false. Love Island USA’s commitment to diversity and proven track record speaks for itself. We categorically deny the allegations and look forward to defending against these claims in a court of law.’
MailOnline has contacted NBCUniversal.
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