Love Island contestant Paige Turley is facing controversy for using a homophobic slur in a post on her
Instagram Story.
The 22-year-old singer referred to her brother as a “Harry Hoofter” in a video she posted in June, which was discovered by MailOnline.The post remained in a section of her “Story Highlights”, and showed her brother Marc above the caption: “Uuuuuft who’s that big Harry hoofter on the cocktails??”.
Paige also added a rainbow flag, symbolising LGBTQ pride, to the post.
The phrase “Harry Hoofter” is a derogatory term used to describe a gay man. Strange Paige Turley is being allowed on
Love Island when she has homophobic stories on her highlights on insta. Any explanation for this @itv2#loveisland#LoveIsland2020pic.twitter.com/8naSSVlM5n— Hithere (@Hithere90223467) January 12, 2020The post has now been pulled from Paige’s Instagram page.
A source close to Paige has defended the reality star, telling HuffPost UK: “This was a silly joke between brother and sister and Paige would be mortified to hear she has in anyway offended anyone.”
HuffPost
UK has also contacted an ITV spokesperson for comment.
Paige has been at the centre of a number of stories in the press since she was announced for the ITV2 reality show earlier this month, mostly about her past relationship with Lewis Capaldi. While the pair broke up a number of years ago after dating as teens, Paige admitted she was hoping for his support in the villa.
The Brit Award-nominated singer later broke his silence on his ex-girlfriend’s participation on the show, joking he was hoping for a cut of her £50,000 prize, should she win.
He added: “She never told me she was going on it. It would have been a nice heads up! But, I mean, fair play, good luck to her.”
Paige is currently coupled up with semi-professional footballer Finley Tapp in the villa.
Love Island continues on Tuesday at 9pm on ITV2. READ MORE... A Meme Is Born: Love Island's Siannise Goes Viral With Brilliant Reaction To New Arrival Love Island’s Paige Turley Speaks Out On Ex Lewis Capaldi: ‘He’ll Be Voting For Me’ Lewis Capaldi Breaks Silence On Ex Paige Turley's Love Island Appearance