“Weirdo”, “embarrassing”, and “sidechick final boss.” These are just a handful of the words used by online users and lovers of Love Island UK to describe season 12 contestant Helena Ford, despite her arguably being a victim of the “manipulative ways” of fellow contestant and partner Harry Cooksley.
Over the last 12 seasons of the show — and its handful of spin-offs — it has become clear that the female contestants are becoming more criticised and judged in comparison to their male counterparts. But why?
However, it’s been the boys who have found themselves in hot water, particularly Harry Cooksley and Dejon Noel-Williams. Both have had their share of questionable actions, failing most of the “tests” that come their way by getting to know other bombshells, even going as far as to kiss and share a bed with them, before returning to their couple. But more so this year than ever, it has been their partners that have faced the online backlash.
Despite never really owning up to his behaviour, Dejon has continued to “explore connections” with at least four “bombshells,” despite being coupled up with Meg since day one, and Meg making it very clear she is not comfortable with that.
The internet has shown a similar response to Helena and Harry. Another semi-professional footballer, Harry has also failed most of the “tests” that have come his way, snogging several bombshells, sharing a bed with them, and returning to Helena as if nothing had happened.
In response, the internet dug up photos of Helena before her alleged cosmetic procedures, negatively commenting on her appearance and looks. She has been described as “desperate,” “stupid,” and a “cockroach” by viewers, while Harry has received little backlash in comparison.
In this week’s episodes, Harrison Solomon and Lauren Katie Wood took their relationship to the next level, in a physical sense, despite Harrison having an on/off relationship with fellow islander Antonia “Toni” Laites.
Despite Harrison being perceived by many viewers and by the women on the show as being in the morally grey area here, and eventually confessing his remaining feelings for Toni, it’s Lauren’s Instagram posts that have been branded with words such as “slut” and “desperate”, whilst Harrison has been added to the Love Island boys’ “hall of fame.”
But why does the internet give more stick to the ladies? Perhaps it’s down to the higher standard women are held to in the dating world.
There have been past contestants who have stood up to their men’s poor behavior, most notably Maura Higgins from season five and Kady McDermott from seasons two and 10. They too faced comments online after standing up for themselves and were labeled “fiery” and “hot-headed.” But the overall response was far more positive in comparison to our season 12 girls.
Maybe it’s time for viewers of Love Island to turn the magnifying glass over to the male Islanders, and question why all these men can’t seem to maintain their concentration towards their own couples. Or perhaps why has it become normal to “explore connections” through intimacy in the bedroom rather than through conversations?
So BuzzFeed readers, what do you think? Let us know in the comments.