Gemma Owen’s family have spoken out following the backlash she has received since appearing on Love Island. Watch the message from Gogglebox's Scarlett Moffatt they reposted below:
The 19-year-old daughter of footballer Michael Owen is one of 11 cast members taking part in this year’s reality series on ITV.
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Despite viewers generally supporting the international dressage rider for appearing on the show, Gemma did come under fire for mocking her co-star Luca Bish for his surname on the first night.
Gemma said to Luca that his name was ‘a bit unfortunate’, leaving viewers reeling on social media.
Elsewhere, other viewers threatened to complain to Ofcom after the teen kissed Davide Sanclimenti, 27, on the show.
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Fans at home were not impressed, with many onlookers becoming uncomfortable over the age gap between the pair - which is around eight years.
Now, Gemma’s Instagram account - which is thought to be being overlooked by her family and friends while she stays in the villa - has re-posted a video of Gogglebox’s Scarlett Moffatt defending Gemma.
The reality star urged viewers to ‘be mindful’ and think about what they post online, even when it comes to famous faces.
Scarlett said in the video: "Hey lovelies, I wanted to address Love Island. Have we learnt nothing?
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"People need to be really mindful. I'm not saying that people can't have an opinion on people on the telly, but when those opinions or negativity become disrespectful and become almost bullying, that's when it needs to stop.
"Just because these people are aesthetically beautiful doesn't mean that they don't have feelings or emotions or souls.
"They are someone's daughter, someone's son. I think we just really need to respect people.
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"Poor Gemma. I've seen so many nasty TikToks, people saying she's trying to tell everyone her dad is Michael Owen. Firstly, so what? He is! I talk about my family all the time.
"Secondly, someone asked her what her second name was, and she said, Owen. Which it is.
"Thirdly, everyone was talking about football, and she had an opinion on it. Let's just be nice. Let's just be kind!"
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Gemma's Instagram account then captioned the post: "Couldn't have said it better ourselves," with a white love heart.
You can watch Love Island every night at 9pm except Saturdays on ITV2.
Topics: TV And Film, Love Island, ITV
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Gabriella Ferlita