Here's what's being said...
Love Island got dramatic this week, with ‘couple’ Rosie Williams and Adam Collard seeming to call their relationship quits, with Adam neglecting Rosie for a new attraction, Zara.
But it’s not the separation that has got the world talking, but instead the way it came about, and was dealt with by the 22-year-old personal trainer.
When he was confronted by a tearful Rosie, he appeared to mock her reaction, and viewers were horrified to watch him manipulate her into believing that it was her fault, taking to Twitter to voice their outrage.
'Seriously - laughing at a girl crying because you betrayed her trust and led her on…that’s just the worst thing you can do,’ tweeted one user.
Another posted: ‘Adam’s a controlling, mass manipulating wench. He has constantly humiliated girls, making them feel insecure &to blame for his disloyalties & disrespect.’
And it wasn’t just Love Island viewers who were concerned, with domestic abuse charity, Women’s Aid, using Adam’s behaviour as a warning of abuse.
Whilst accepting that Love Island is an artificial environment, Katie Ghose, chief executive of Women’s Aid explained that Adam’s actions on the outside world could be seen as emotional abuse.
‘In a relationship, a partner questioning your memory of events, trivialising your thoughts or feelings, and turning things around to blame you can be part of pattern of gaslighting and emotional abuse,’ explained Katie.
What should people do therefore?
Speak out. According to Katie, viewers who are in similar situations should ‘join [Rosie] in recognising unhealthy behaviour in relationships and speaking out against all forms of domestic abuse - emotional as well as physical’.
‘It is only when we make a stand together against abuse in relationships that we will see attitudes change and an end to domestic abuse.’
We couldn’t agree more.
