Love Island viewers call out contestants for ‘slut-shaming’ Maura
Love Island viewers have criticised contestants on the show for "slut-shaming" Maura Higgins during Sunday evening's episode.
At the end of the episode, Maura received a text informing her that she was to be granted a night in the Hideaway with the man of her choice as a result of winning the "Gym Bunnies" challenge.
The 28-year-old chose fellow islander Tom Walker to join her in the Hideaway for the night, whom she'd recently become romantically involved with.
The rest of the islanders reacted with excitement, many of whom made the vocal assumption that Maura and Tom would have sexual relations.
While Tom celebrated with the boys in the villa – during which he was handed a condom by Tommy Fury – Maura overhead him say: "It'll be interesting to see if she's all mouth", in reference to Maura's frequent allusions to sex during everyday conversation.
Maura immediately responded with fury at the comment, as did several outraged Love Island viewers.
"Tom saying 'let's see if she's all mouth' about Maura because she's open about her sex life is a prime example of how women are objectified fo expressing liking sex," one person tweeted.
"I'm relieved for Maura that she heard Tom before going into the Hideaway," someone else added. "Girls are slut-shamed if they follow through, and 'all mouth' if they don't."
Another person explained that being "slut-shamed by a man for talking about sex", is the most "degrading and embarrassing thing that can happen to a woman in front of her friends".
Tom saying “let’s see if she’s all mouth” about Maura because she’s open about her sex life is a prime example of how women are objectified for expressing liking sex etc, just cause a woman is open about their sex life doesn’t mean she’s open to sleeping with anyone!! #loveisland
— Darcey McCarthy-Gregory (@DarceyMcCarthy)
Not a fan of people joking&laughing at the Maura situation, it’s literally the most degrading and embarrassing thing that can happen to a woman in front of her friends - to be slut shamed by a MAN for talking about sex the exact same way her male counterparts would #LoveIsland
— Caitlin (@holaitscaitlin)
Honesty disgusted at both the boys’ AND the girls’ reaction towards Maura’s night in the hideaway. Being confident in her sexuality and able to speaking freely about it does not translate to being ‘easy’ and should not create any sort of expectation/pressure #LoveIsland
— Sadie Barr (@sadie_barr)
I'm sorry but Tom 100% slut shamed Maura tonight.
"Your Male friends/ partners think your going to hookup with them" ⬅️ This is one of many signs of slut shaming.
Tom done this in the presence of 6 Men. #LoveIsland— Shannon NíMortún (@Shannon_099)
Following Maura's Hideaway text, it wasn't just the reaction of Tom and the male islanders that sparked fury among Love Island fans.
Some also expressed their disappointment in the female islanders, who straight away asked Maura whether she and Tom would have sex.
"Honestly disgusted at both the boys' AND the girls' reaction towards Maura's night in the Hideaway," one person tweeted.
"Being confident in her sexuality and able to speak freely about it does not translate to being 'easy' and should not create any sort of expectation/pressure."
The "Gym Bunnies" challenge which Maura won earlier in the episode also prompted criticism from some for perpetuating sexist gender stereotypes.
Several Love Island viewers pointed out the "misogyny" of having the female contestants dressed in lingerie, while the male contestants wore standard gym gear.
“Girls in Playboy bunny suits, boys in ugly grey shorts – wow the misogyny is really jumping out this season,” one person tweeted.
"This Playboy bunny-esque exercise challenge is just plain weird and... a bit gross," another remarked.
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