ITV and NBCUniversal, the producers of Love Island USA, have been sued.
The charges against the show include alleged maltreatment of competitors and poor working conditions during the fourth season of the reality dating show.
Former villa producers Jasmine Crestwell and Alex Rinks claim that UK production professionals were sent over to boost ratings, which had a negative impact.
According to documents acquired by People, the UK crew members had a history of “racist and abusive practises,” which led to mental health concerns for certain islanders.
They allege Sereniti Springs, one of the show’s few Black ladies, was treated unfairly and sabotaged.
The filing adds that the producers ‘pressured female Islanders to engage in sexual relationships without regard for their personal preferences or genuine consent,’ and ‘were flippant with the concept of sexual consent’.
They further allege that several producers “openly remarked on camera feeds of female Islanders showering and having sex, creating a very unpleasant work atmosphere for women on set.”
The working atmosphere was attacked as well, with the villa characterised as a “ramshackle, decaying ranch with poor plumbing and inoperable bathrooms.”
Crestwell and Rinks claim they were fired unfairly after addressing their concerns.
ITV America denied the claims in a statement: ‘This is a frivolous attack at an opportunistic moment, timed to the Season 5 debut, made by two former employees who were terminated for cause, purely in relation to their job performance.
‘These characterisations are false. Love Island USA’s commitment to diversity and proven track record speaks for itself.
‘We categorically deny the allegations and look forward to defending against these claims in a court of law.’
Love Island USA premiered in 2018 and is one of 22 international versions that have followed the original UK edition.
