Love Island accused of sexism over ‘Gym Bunnies’ challenge

'The misogyny is really jumping out this season'

Love Island has been criticised for organising a challenge that saw women dressed in lingerie while men wore traditional athletic clothing.

In Sunday’s episode, the ITV2 programme aired footage of its “Gym Bunnies” challenge, which required the female contestants to compete in various athletic tasks. They included running on a treadmill while drinking a protein shake and using a rowing machine while eating a carrot.

The women raced against one another to complete the tasks while their male partners egged them on, posing as personal trainers.

For the challenge, the women wore black, strapless, high-cut “Tuxedo Bunny” bodysuits from lingerie brand Ann Summers, which they paired with fishnet tights and bunny ears. The men wore grey T-shirts and matching tracksuit shorts.

The disparity in the contestants’ ensembles has sparked a backlash on social media, with viewers accusing Love Island of endorsing sexist stereotypes.

“Girls in Playboy bunny suits, boys in ugly grey shorts – wow the misogyny is really jumping out this season,” wrote one person on Twitter.

Another added: ”I know Love Island isn’t the most classy show, but the only thing I’m not loving is the fact the girls always seem to be the ones being made to dress up or snog a load of guys... seems a little sexist to me. What’s next? The ironing challenge?!”

Anna Vakili completing the challenge (ITV)

One user described the challenge as exhibiting “some good old fashioned materialistic sexism”, while another simply commented: “The sexism in this challenge is real.”

Another person used the sick face emoji to illustrate their reaction to the challenge.

A spokesperson for Love Island declined to comment when approached by The Independent.