Love Island: Mike Boateng’s family say police investigation reports show eagerness ‘to see a black man fail’
‘We believe there is a clear attempt to tarnish Mike’s character,’ statement reads
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The family of Love Island star Mike Boateng has issued a statement defending him over claims he is currently under investigation by Greater Manchester Police, where Boateng previously worked as a PC.
On Sunday, reports suggested the 24-year-old was the subject of an investigation over “inappropriate behaviour”.
In a statement given to The Sun, a spokesperson for the Greater Manchester Police said: “Allegations were made regarding an officer in 2019 which are currently under investigation by the Professional Standards Branch.
“It is inappropriate to comment further whilst the investigation is ongoing.”
Now, Boateng’s family have published a statement on social media describing the allegations as “completely false”.
“We believe there is a clear attempt to tarnish Mike’s character,” the statement reads.
“Greater Manchester Police have unfortunately chosen not to deny any of the false stories, which will be published in the next few days. They had previously agreed with us that they would not comment to the press, which is why no stories have been released to date.”
The family also alleged that Boateng was subject to discrimination when he was in the police force, claiming he was called a “gorilla” during one police training session.
“This is a documented incident that took place. The officers involved in these incidents were not sacked,” the statement continues.
“Mike will eventually come out and speak his truth. However, as a family, we want the public to know that any negative stories released are completely false.”
After being contacted by The Independent for comment, Greater Manchester Police responded with the following statement:
"We can confirm that in 2017 a serving officer alleged that he had been subjected to racist behaviour during his initial training with Greater Manchester Police.
"Five officers were placed on restricted duties while the allegations were thoroughly investigated by the Professional Standards Branch. As a result, the five officers were dealt with under the Unsatisfactory Performance Procedure, which is set out in the Police Performance Regulations of 2012.
"There is absolutely no place for racism within GMP. It is important that all our staff are treated fairly and with respect and we have made significant improvements to the diversity of our workforce over recent years. However we realise the damage these instances can cause and we apologise for any suffering this matter has caused him.
"Previously we received media inquiries in relation to a separate investigation by the Professional Standards Branch into the conduct of a former GMP PC whilst he was a serving officer. In respect to these inquiries, we confirmed that allegations were made regarding an officer in 2018 and 2019, which are currently under investigation by the Professional Standards Branch. These include a complaint from a member of the public.
"We wish to be clear that any allegations must be investigated thoroughly and we must be fair to both those that have made them and those which are subject to them. There should be no presumptions made until all enquiries have been completed and decisions made.
"It would be inappropriate to comment further while the investigation is ongoing."
The Independent has contacted ITV for comment.
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