Love Island’s Tasha Ghouri was reportedly subjected to a campaign of abuse from viscous trolls ahead of finding fame in the villa.
The 23-year-old model, who is the show’s first deaf contestant, had been the target of bullies since she was 14 years old, with online abusers said to have called her and her friends ‘fat’ while also issuing them with death threats.
Tasha, who was born deaf and wears a cochlear implant, was targeted via anonymous messages on website ask.fm, reports The Sun.
Shocking: Love Island’s Tasha Ghouri was reportedly subjected to a campaign of abuse from viscous trolls ahead of finding fame in the villa
The publication states that an unearthed clip from BBC News in 2012 sees Tasha’s dad Tarek open up on his daughter’s online abuse, with the concerned father shocked by the cruel comments.
He said: ‘My daughter was being abused online. I researched it and was horrified to see ask.fm allowed anonymous posts. I felt compelled to do something.
‘I raised awareness with the school because even though it happens out of school the impact happens in school.’
Ordeal: The 23-year-old model, who is the show’s first deaf contestant, had been the target of bullies since she was 14 years old, with online abusers said to have called her and her friends ‘fat’ while also issuing them with death threats
Meanwhile, Tasha added: ‘Some of the comments were, ‘go and get cancer, you don’t belong here, go and die, go and hang yourself, you’re flat chested, your family’s ugly’. It’s horrible things.’
She went on to say that one of her pals who was also being bullied had gone ‘very quiet’ and was ‘very upset’ as they had ‘no idea how to handle it’.
MailOnline have contacted representatives of Love Island for comment.
Elsewhere, during the first episode of Love Island, Tasha bravely decided to open up about her deafness to her fellow islanders as she spoke about her ‘superpower’.
Gathering them around, she said: ‘I wanted to get everyone together, I wanted to find the right time to do this and this is perfect timing, but basically I was born completely deaf and I wear a cochlear implant in my right ear.
So cruel: Tasha, who was born deaf and wears a cochlear implant, was targeted via anonymous messages on website ask.fm
Disgusting: Tasha said: ‘Some of the comments were, ‘go and get cancer, you don’t belong here, go and die, go and hang yourself, you’re flat chested, your family’s ugly. It’s horrible things’
‘It’s just something cool that I’ve got about myself, it doesn’t define me, it’s just a part of who I am.’
The dancer went on to add: ‘I call it my superpower.’
After hearing Tasha’s story, her co-stars responded positively, with Luca Bish saying: ‘Literally, I would not have had a clue, and to say it in front of a bunch of people who you’ve never kind of even met or know… credit to her.’
While Indiyah Polack added: ‘She was so open about it, and I could see in her face that was a big thing for her.
‘I just honestly wanted to give her a big hug because I just wanted her to know that she’s not alone and we’re all here to support her no matter what she’s going through and we all love her.’
Honest: Elsewhere, during the first episode of Love Island, Tasha bravely decided to open up about her deafness to her fellow islanders as she spoke about her ‘superpower’
Supportive: After hearing Tasha’s story, her co-stars responded positively, with Luca Bish saying: ‘Literally, I would not have had a clue, and to say it in front of a bunch of people who you’ve never kind of even met or know… credit to her’
It comes as the series kicked off with a dramatic twist as viewers were given the chance to vote for this year’s first couples for the first time, but romances have already been put to the test with the arrival of hunky bombshell Davide Sanclimenti.
While the couples were mere hours into getting to know one another, the Islanders learned that one boy would be left vulnerable as Davide chose which one he’d like to be paired up with
Love Island continues tomorrow at 9pm on ITV2 and ITV Hub. Episodes are available the following morning on BritBox.
LOVE ISLAND 2022: MEET THE CONTESTANTS
Paige Thorne
Name: Paige Thorne
Age: 24
Location: Swansea
Occupation: Paramedic
Who is their type on paper? ‘In Swansea there is just no-one I can find.
I haven’t got to swipe. So, hopefully they can just come to me now!
‘I came out of a relationship and I was just so done with guys. Then I was like, ‘Ok, I’m bored now’
Indiyah Polack
Name: Indiyah Polack
Age: 23
Location: London
Occupation: Hotel waitress
Who is their type on paper? ‘It’s quite hard to date without being influenced by social media and stuff like that.
Love Island is a great place to get to know someone one-on-one.
I don’t think I have ever been out with two guys who are quite the same.’
Tasha Ghouri
Name: Tasha Ghouri
Age: 23
Location: Thirsk
Occupation: Model and dancer
Who is their type on paper? ‘My dating life has been a shambles.
This is an opportunity for me to find ‘the one’ and have a great summer at the same time.
I’m definitely ready for a relationship. I’m 23 now so I’m ready to get to know someone and travel with them.’
Gemma Owen
Name: Gemma Owen
Age: 19
Location: Chester
Occupation: International Dressage Rider and Business Owner
Who is their type on paper? ‘I am open to finding love, I’m wanting to have a really fun summer.
I would say I’m fun, flirty and fiery. I think I’m good at giving advice, I’m a good person to talk to, I’m very honest.
If I want the same guy, I’d do it but in a nice respectful way.
Andrew Le Page
Name: Andrew Le Page
Age: 27
Location: Guernsey
Occupation: Real Estate Agent
Who is their type on paper? ‘When I’m with someone I’m very loyal.
I’m a good boyfriend as when I’m with someone I’m all for them.
I’m actually single for once, so I thought why not?
This is the best time to give it a go.’
Luca Bish
Name: Luca Bish
Age: 23
Location: Brighton
Occupation: Fishmonger
Who is their type on paper? ‘I prefer to meet girls out and about. I think when you go looking for it, it’s not as easy though, it’s like you’re too desperate for it.
If I think you’re the one or I like you, I’ll take you out on a date but other than that, if we talk and I don’t like where it’s going – then I won’t be throwing out dates.
Dami Hope
Name: Dami Hope
Age: 26
Location: Dublin
Occupation: Senior Microbiologist
Who is their type on paper? ‘I will be talking to different girls, it might not go well with some.
When I’m actually in a relationship, I think it’s a star sign thing.
I’m an Aries but I’m very passionate – I always used to put that person first. I’m really good at being in a team’.
Liam Llewellyn
Name: Liam Llewellyn
Age: 22
Location: Newport, South Wales
Occupation: Masters Student
Who is their type on paper? ’22 is a really nice age to meet someone, you’ve got your years ahead of you so you have time to grow together.
Love Island is a great opportunity to meet someone, you’re in with a load of different types so you can get to grips with what you really like.’
Davide Sanclimenti
Name: Davide Sanclimenti
Age: 27
Location: Rome (lives in Manchester)
Occupation: Business owner
Who is their type on paper? ‘A lot of English girls actually love me.
They love to be around me and I love to be around them. I want to find my soulmate.
Find my person so I can actually build something in the future, grow with them, be a family. ‘
Ikenna Ekwonna
Name: Ikenna Ekwonna
Age: 23
Location: Nottingham
Occupation: Pharmaceutical Sales
Who is their type on paper? ‘I’ve only been in one past relationship but now I think I’m at the age where I could find someone.
Hopefully, I’m going to bring spontaneity and excitement.
I’m not really shy to speak to people I don’t really care too much about what people think.’
Amber Beckford
Name: Amber Beckford
Age: 24
Location: London
Occupation: Nanny
Who is their type on paper? ‘I don’t like guys that show off.
I don’t like flashy guys – just have a personality and make me laugh.
There was this one guy and he was trying to purposefully show off his car keys and we were literally in the middle of a restaurant!’
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