Caroline Flack has slammed those who have blamed Love Island for the death of Mike Thalassitis and told them to ‘stop pointing fingers’.
The series came under fire over its aftercare procedures after Mike took his own life in March this year, just over a year since he was put into the spotlight thanks to the ITV2 matchmaking show.
But Caroline, who was close friends with Mike, was quick to assert that the series was not the ultimate cause of his heartbreaking death.
Speaking to Cosmopolitan ahead of this year’s series, Caroline said: ‘It’s dangerous and I’m really, really angry. It’s not just that you’re blaming a TV show, you’re blaming people and their jobs.
‘In life we all have a duty of care to look out for each other, but I don’t think it’s fair to point fingers of blame.’
‘This is a much bigger issue than just a reality TV show, and when something this bad happens – and I’m talking about Mike – when something this horrible and sad occurs, it’s so dangerous to point fingers within hours and minutes of it happening.’
Mike’s death was the second death-by-suicide the show had encountered within the space of a year – as series two star Sophie Gradon took her life last year.
Caroline had previously said the show had become a ‘scapegoat’ in the fight over mental health care in reality TV.
In response and ahead of the upcoming series, Love Island have recently released their full aftercare plans to put minds at rest.
Creative Director ITV Studios Entertainment Richard Cowles said: ‘Due to the success of the show our Islanders can find themselves in the public eye following their appearance. We really want to make sure they have given real consideration to this and what appearing on TV entails.
‘Discussing all of this with us forms a big part of the casting process and, ultimately, their decision to take part.’
The aftercare plan details a 14-month support system covering their mental health, finances and dealing with social media.
Love Island starts Monday at 9pm on ITV2.
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