Love Island is embroiled in a bullying row as Star’s family speaks out in her defence

LOVE Island finds itself at the center of a bullying row after viewers expressed concerns about Zara’s treatment.

The bombshell has ruffled feathers since arriving and on Friday night’s show, some of the other islanders appeared to pick at her during a truth-or-dares match.

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Her family have now spoken out, insisting she can handle herself in a hostile environment.

Zara’s mother Denise said: “We understand people’s concerns when they see that she is visibly upset. We know the show is heavily edited and Zara is free to leave at any time.”

Her brother Alex added to the Mirror, “She’s a very strong woman who knows her own mind — she can handle the drama.”

During the controversial match, Tom, 23, told her he preferred Olivia’s face but admitted she had the best body.

Olivia then snogged Tom when asked to kiss the person she thought she liked the most.

Aaron, 24, then said he thinks Zara would be most likely to talk behind his back and Lana said she thinks Tom and Zara are the least compatible couple.

Last night, viewers expressed their fears about Zara’s treatment, with one person writing: “I get a feeling they’re reticently bullying Zara at this point – what exactly is wrong with her?”

A second said: “No that’s not cool they’re bullying Zara.”

While a third wrote: “The islanders are bullying Zara AND the producers are targeting them with these tasks. That was awful to watch.”

“I expect the Love Island producers will step in soon enough like they did last season when the boys bullied Tasha. I’m not going to sit here and watch these people bully Zara like that,” added a fourth.

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