Love Island star Sherif Lanre accuses ITV2 show of giving black people less screen time
Former contestant questioned producers' motives in new tell-all interview
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Love Island contestant Sherif Lanre has revealed more details about his shock removal from the ITV2 reality series days after accusing the show of "unconscious racism".
It was announced last Tuesday (12 June) that Lanre had left the competition after breaking the rules, but it wasn’t made clear what exactly had occurred.
His sudden exit sparked widespread speculation over the possible reason, but over the weekend, Lanre claimed he was kicked off the show for using the word “c***” after accidentally kicking fellow islander Molly-Mae Hague in the groin area during a playfight.
Speaking to BBC host Victoria Derbyshire, Lanre said: “I definitely feel bad over the way in which my removal from the villa was handled. I didn’t get to say bye to anyone. I didn’t get to pack my bags. I think that left everyone a bit confused.”
He added that he felt the show's white contestants were handed more screen time.
“I feel like the airtime which contestants of my race and races similar to mine was very disproportionate to our value in the villa. Statistically, [black people] do get less air time. Why that is is down to the people in charge”
Lanre also pointed out that Ellie Brown, a contestant from last year's series, used the C-word during an argument - but wasn't booted off the show.
In an interview with The Sun on Sunday, he said: “I was the only black man in the villa and I was kicked out after ten days. In my opinion, what happened was unconscious racism. There was, I felt, sexism. I feel I wouldn’t have been given that red card if I was a white woman.”
“We would strongly refute any accusation of racism,” a spokesperson for the show told The Independent. ”All of the Islanders are treated fairly and in accordance with our duty of care.”
Love Island continues tonight at 9pm on ITV2.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments