Caroline Flack’s mother has said TV presenters need improvements in “duty of care” due to the level of “exposure”.
Christine explained it was “ironic” that her late daughter, who hosted the hugely popular ITV show Love Island, was “unjustly fired from her role” when her own love life was in turmoil.
Caroline took her own life on February 15, 2020 at the age of 40, a day after hearing that prosecutors would begin a trial into allegedly assaulting her boyfriend Lewis Burton in December 2019.
Tragic: Caroline Flack’s mother Christine has said TV presenters need ‘better due diligence’ after she was ‘wrongly’ fired from her Love Island presenting role
Speaking to The Sun, Christine explained: “Duty of care towards moderators needs to improve. If you work in an office you are protected, but not on TV, you are exposed.
“Love Island thrived on arguments and probably still does, I haven’t seen it since. But when it came to Caroline, she was fired because of her love life. It was totally wrong.
“I saw it because Carrie was there and I loved it because she absolutely loved it. She loved the crew and the contestants. It was ironic when her love life was in trouble.’
MailOnline has reached out to Love Island officials for comment.
Protection: Christine said it was “ironic” that her late daughter, who hosted the hugely popular ITV show Love Island, was “unfairly fired from her role” when her own love life was in turmoil (Caroline pictured on Love Island in 2019).
Last month, Love Island producers said contestants will receive inclusivity training, 24/7 access to mental health experts and tailored guidance on how to deal with instant fame as part of a deep grooming package that will be implemented ahead of the latest series.
The popular ITV2 show returned to Mallorca for an eighth season in June and producers have ensured their latest singleton season receives plenty of professional guidance as part of their duty of care – before, during and after their stay at the Spanish villa.
Leading up to this series, participants will be offered video training and guidance covering appropriate integrative language related to disability, sexuality, race and ethnicity, as well as common behaviors and microaggressions.
Support: She stated: “Duty of care towards moderators needs to be improved. If you work in an office you are protected, but not on TV, you are exposed.
Psychological and medical assessments prior to filming, including reviews by an independent doctor, psychological counselors and reports from each islander’s GP to verify their medical histories, are also required.
The discussions are designed to be around topics such as inclusive language, behavior, creating safe spaces and being a good ally.
In addition, potential islanders will watch a video hosted by the show’s executive producer and director of welfare interviewing former islanders about their experiences on the show.
This includes details on the two weeks before they enter the villa, how they deal with being filmed 24 hours a day, the interaction they will have with the producers at the villa, support for family members, how to deal with social -Media trolling and adapting to life off the show.
Heartbreaking: In February 2020, Love Island host Caroline Flack (pictured) was found dead at her home after taking her own life, a day after hearing that prosecutors were opening a trial for allegedly assaulting her Boyfriend Lewis would start Burton in 2019
Cast members are also told to consider any potential ramifications of participating in the show — particularly the negative feedback they may receive on social media — and work through that decision-making process with their families.
Caroline’s death was ruled a suicide in an August 2020 inquest by coroner Mary Hassell, saying: “The most important decision I have to make is whether Caroline took her own life…
“I need to be convinced that she acted in a way that caused her death, and second, that she intended to cause her death.
“In Caroline’s case, I am completely convinced that she intended to bring about her own death. She hanged herself. She had only one expectation – her own death. I have absolutely no doubts about that.’
The coroner said Flack had experienced a “fluctuating illness” and was “desperate” at the thought of facing a trial.
Help: Last month, producers said contestants will receive inclusion training, 24/7 access to mental health experts and bespoke guidance on how to navigate instant fame (2022 cast pictured)
LOVE ISLAND 2022: DUE DILIGENCE
- Comprehensive psychological care
- Training for all islanders on the impact of social media and how to deal with potential negativity
- Financial management training for all islanders
- In-depth conversations with islanders about the impact of being on the show
- A proactive aftercare package to support all islanders following their participation in the show
- Guidance and advice on taking over management after the fair
Information courtesy of ITV
She said: “Caroline has had fluctuating mental illness, she had had struggles in the past. She had trouble…
“Despite the fact that she may have – to some – lived an enchanting life, the more famous she got, the more some of those difficulties increased – she had to deal with the media in a way most of us don’t. .
“It was played in the national press – and that was incredibly difficult for them. She faced the prospect of not working in her beloved job, losing a lot…
“I think the reason she took her own life was because she now knew for sure that she was going to be prosecuted and she knew she was going to face the media, the press and the public — everything.” would fall on her. For me, that is essentially it.”
Circumstances: In August 2020, the coroner said Caroline had been experiencing “fluctuating health” and was “desperate” at the thought of facing a trial
At the time, her mother Christine cried as she told the coroner via the video link: “I totally agree, I think you got it spot on. We know there are certain things you are not allowed to say and it is up to us if we want to go further and we don’t. You are exactly right.’
In conclusion, the coroner recorded a suicide death by hanging.
Ms Hassell said: “Caroline hanged herself at home on the morning of February 15 due to a worsening of her fluctuating illness and distress.”
In February it was revealed that the Met police would re-examine whether Caroline was treated differently because of her fame – her mother said she was “sad and very angry” at the police.
Caroline’s mother has demanded an explanation as to why the star was charged with assaulting her boyfriend – with Met police urged to reconsider whether she was treated differently because of her fame.
For confidential support, call Samaritans on 116123 or visit a local Samaritans office. See www.samaritans.org for details.
Exposure: In February it was revealed that the Met police would re-examine whether Caroline was treated differently because of her fame