![From ITV Studios Love Island: SR5: Ep6 on ITV2 Pictured: Sherif. This photograph is (C) ITV Plc and can only be reproduced for editorial purposes directly in connection with the programme or event mentioned above, or ITV plc. Once made available by ITV plc Picture Desk, this photograph can be reproduced once only up until the transmission [TX] date and no reproduction fee will be charged. Any subsequent usage may incur a fee. This photograph must not be manipulated [excluding basic cropping] in a manner which alters the visual appearance of the person photographed deemed detrimental or inappropriate by ITV plc Picture Desk. This photograph must not be syndicated to any other company, publication or website, or permanently archived, without the express written permission of ITV Picture Desk. Full Terms and conditions are available on the website www.itv.com/presscentre/itvpictures/terms For further information please contact: james.hilder@itv.com / 0207 157 3052](https://usercontent.one/wp/www.newsgroove.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Sherif-Lanre-accuses-Love-Island-bosses-of-‘unconscious-racism’-after-‘upsetting’-reunion-snub.jpg?media=1711065099)
Sherif Lanre has hit out at ITV for banning him from the upcoming Love Island Aftersun Reunion.
The 20-year-old was axed from the villa just nine days after he walked in, with producers stating he ‘broke the rules’.
Lifting the lid on his exit, he revealed he kicked Molly-Mae Hague in the groin, and joked it was a ‘c*** punt,’ leading to bosses kicking him out.
After not having the chance to say goodbye when he left the villa, Sherif was looking forward to finally having the chance to catch up with his co-stars
But, in an ‘upsetting’ twist, he claimed bosses told him he was ‘not required’ to attend the reunion, as his contract has ended.
Discussing the snub – which came after he apologised for his actions – the athlete claimed he ‘couldn’t rule out unconscious racism’ being a factor in their decision.
‘I can’t rule out that racism was a factor here. I think there may have been some unconscious racism,’ he told The Sun.
‘By that I mean, the producers might not have been aware of what they were doing, but they may have had an inherent bias in their minds that caused them to act against me.
‘I think this vendetta against me is coming from people higher up in the company rather than by the producers who know me.’
Sherif also insisted he had no idea why bosses are ‘being so difficult’ about the upcoming reunion.
‘It feels like they’re still punishing me for my initial mistake again or maybe they are punishing me for telling the truth about the incident,’ he added.
A Love Island spokesperson told the publication: ‘All of the Islanders are treated fairly and in accordance with our duty of care.’
At the time of his exit from the villa, Sherif released a statement: ‘In a case of poor judgement, I broke the villa rules and as a result agreed with the producers that it was best for me to leave the villa. ‘
‘I regret that I didn’t conduct myself in the right way and, as a 20 year old guy, it’s something I know I will take on board and learn from.’
Molly-Mae has opened up about the incident, explaining she has no hard feelings towards Sherif.
Speaking to Metro.co.uk on her exit from the villa, she vowed there was no drama between them, telling us: ‘No, absolutely not, no beef with me and Sherif. I’ve not got my phone back yet, I’ve not even spoken to Sherif…
‘But there’s absolutely no beef between me and Sherif. I love the boy to pieces.’
Metro.co.uk has contacted Love Island reps for a comment.
Love Island Aftersun reunion airs on Sunday, at 9pm, on ITV2.
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