Amy Hart's family has issued a defiant message to the Love Island star's Instagram, after revealing the star has been targeted with "death threats" and "hateful comments" over the past week.
The statement, posted on Wednesday, defended Amy and boyfriend Curtis Pritchard's decision to vote Lucie Donlan and Joe Garratt as the most incompatible couple, pointing out that many of the other Islanders did the same - and they weren't aware this would lead to sandwich maker Joe's eviction.
The vote has led to a huge amount of criticism from trolls solely directed towards the flight attendant, as has Amy's turbulent relationship with Lucie, with some even going as far to claim she is "bullying" the surfer - something her family vehemently denies.
"We would like to thank those who continue to support Amy and those who have sent kind messages through this whole Love Island experience, but especially over the last few trying days," the message, written on an iPhone note, read.
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"Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, however the way some people are gunning for Amy is shocking and really upsetting for her friends and family and everyone who knows and loves her.
"The other couples also voted for Lucie and Joe as least compatible due to their recent ups and downs, and nobody in the villa knew it would end in any Islanders being voted out."
Revealing the extent of the abuse the family has received as a result, they added: "The volume of hateful comments and death threats we have received over the last couple days has been completely off the scale and extremely upsetting.
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"They still continue to come through, and it stems from one comment made four episodes ago which was said in support of Lucie.
"Amy is a fierce friend. She is kind, loyal and supportive. She wants the best for everyone and is willing to give herself entirely to those she cares about. Amy is not malicious or vindictive and she is certainly not a bully.
"We would like to ask those sending malicious and vile messages to think about the implications of their words and threats before plastering them over social media."
"Anyone who knows Amy knows she does not deserve this," the post concluded, adding in the caption: "Be kind, always."
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Fans were quick to air their own support for Amy, with one pointing out: "45 minutes is shown out of 24 hours they have in there," while another echoed: "It's hypocritical how ppl say that apparently Amy "bullies" Lucie but then turn around and send violent threats?"
Love Island has come under increased scrutiny this year in light of the deaths of two former contestants, with the show detailing its revamped aftercare and welfare plan in the run-up to this year's series airing.
Here's hoping viewers will give Amy a break.
Topics: TV News, Love Island