Love Island returned to screens last night for its twelfth season, but the launch was quickly overshadowed by controversy, with fans accusing one contestant of racism and criticising the show’s ongoing diversity issues.
Thirteen hopefuls stepped into the iconic Spanish villa under the sun, ready to find romance. The season kicked off with seven glamorous women and six handsome men being introduced by returning host Maya Jama in Monday night’s premiere.
Among the new arrivals is 23-year-old Alima Gagigo from Glasgow – the only Scottish contestant in this year’s lineup so far.
The university graduate made a bold first move by choosing to couple up blindly with Blu Chegini, a construction project manager, based solely on his dating profile.
But sparks didn’t fly. When Maya revealed to Blu that Alima had chosen him, his response raised eyebrows: “Every girl looks beautiful.”
Maya, quick to point out the mismatch in enthusiasm, responded pointedly: “Yes, but Alima chose you.”
Things didn’t improve during their first private chat, when Blu admitted to Alima that she wasn’t his “usual type.”
Viewers didn’t take kindly to his comments. Many took to social media to express outrage, accusing Blu of dismissing Alima based on her race and calling out Love Island for its continued lack of representation.
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One viewer posted: “As a white girl I can’t understand how there are men out there who say they don’t find black women attractive. Isn’t that just racism? I think Blu is racist :/ How can you say you don’t have a type but say Alima isn’t your type. Idk.”
Another added: “See now why the f*** is there only 1 black girl….i can just SMELLLLL the colourism and racism ALREADY.”
A third fan wrote: “Bro wth???????? Love island uk really topped up their racism this year because why are these white people acting like they want to jump off a cliff because they got paired with black people???????”
A fourth person said: “Love Island UK already giving the usual racist undertones” while a fifth claimed the episode was “racist and I have reported to ofcom”.
A sixth bluntly added: “If Alima gets dumped I’m reporting to ofcom for racism.”
This isn’t the first time Love Island has faced accusations of racism.
Last summer’s season drew intense criticism, with Ofcom receiving 3,600 complaints related to bullying and racial issues.
Controversy has also surrounded this new season even before it began.
Just last week, it was revealed that incoming contestant Kyle Ashman was dropped from the show following news of his arrest over a fight at a funeral.
ITV later stated that Ashman chose not to enter the villa as planned, citing “personal reasons.”
