Love Island 2023 star George Fensom apologises over homophobic tweets

Brenna Cooper
·2 min read

Love Island 2023 star George Fensom has apologised after some of his old tweets, which reportedly included the use of homophobic slurs, have resurfaced online.

The Bradford-based business development executive had previously been unveiled as part of the reality dating show's new cast earlier this week. However, tweets containing derogatory language from a Twitter account linked to George have since been circulating online.

The tweets, which have since been deleted, were written in 2014 when the contestant would have been in their early teens.

from lifted entertainmentlove island sr10 on itv2 and itvxpictured george fensomthis 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 plcthis 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 wwwitvcompresscentreitvpicturestermsfor further information please contactjameshilderitvcom
Vincent Dolman - ITV

Related: Love Island host Maya Jama recalls surprising moment she was grilled by fan

Following the discovery of the tweets, Love Island fans have called for George to be removed from the show ahead of its premiere next Monday (June 5).

George has since issued a statement regarding the tweets (via HuffPost UK), apologising for his comments.

"I honestly just feel absolutely sick about those tweets," he said. "They are not who I am today, they couldn't be any further from the man I am today and, quite frankly, if I could turn back time I wouldn't even have put those [online].

"To be honest with you, it's me being really naive at that age. I made the account back in 2011, so it's just stupidity on my behalf and doesn't reflect on who I am today at all.

george fensom, love island 2023
Vincent Dolman - ITV

Related: Love Island announces accessibility improvements

"In regards to people saying that I'm not right for the villa, all I would say is this, everyone's made mistakes. Everyone has said things that they regret. The difference in the way that I'll defend myself is the way that I'm owning that and I've admitted that that was the wrong thing to say.

"If I could turn back time then I wouldn't have said the things that I said. That's all I can do to defend myself and say in this scenario."

George is one of the 10 first contestants hoping to find love in the Mallorcan villa this summer. In a Q&A ahead of entering the villa, George described himself as someone who's "always dancing" and the first to "bring the vibe up".

Love Island airs on ITV2, and is available via catch up on ITVX and BritBox.

You Might Also Like