Love Island star Kaz Kamwi questions cancel culture: 'Do people actually get cancelled?'

Kaz Kamwi has questioned whether "cancel culture" truly exists, arguing that many public figures who face online backlash continue to enjoy successful careers and loyal fanbases.

Speaking exclusively to GB News, the former Love Island star and influencer said she was unconvinced that most people who are labelled as "cancelled" actually disappear from public life.

"I feel like, on one end, does cancel culture actually exist?", she asked.

"Do people actually get cancelled?"

TRENDING

Stories

Videos

Your Say

"Because loads of people who have been cancelled still have platforms.

"They have audiences, they create their own platforms, they create their own spaces."

Cancel culture refers to the public backlash faced by individuals or organisations over comments, actions or opinions that are considered offensive or unacceptable.

The term gained attention during movements such as #MeToo.

The 31-year-old, who rose to fame on Love Island in 2021 before returning for the All Stars spin-off in 2024, acknowledged that some individuals have faced lasting consequences for their actions.

"But then I feel like there's some people who have been written completely off where it's like, 'Oh, you actually got cancelled'," she added.

Ms Kamwi, who was speaking on behalf of BestBettingSites.co.uk, the leading comparison site for online casinos, suggested society has become more sensitive to issues that may once have been overlooked, but said this was not necessarily a negative development.

"I think society is a little bit more sensitive for sure, but I also think people are a lot more woke to what they think is right and what they think is wrong.

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS

• ITV Love Island star speaks out on Channel 4 MAFS controversy as Kaz Kamwi reveals own experience
• Jeremy Vine admits he feels unable to discuss Christian faith inside BBC buildings: 'Contentious!'
• ITV Coronation Street star Tracy Shaw rushed from critical care as doctors investigate new infection

"I think people are more confident in realising that some things are actually just ignorant."

The reality star admitted she has experienced moments of being unfairly judged following her time on television.

"Of course," she said when asked whether she had ever felt misrepresented by public reaction to a TV moment.

"I've had moments where people thought I did things I didn't really do."

However, the TV star explained that because Love Island was filmed before viewers saw the episodes, she was largely unaware of online discussions while the show was airing.

The influencer also weighed in on the recent controversy surrounding Married at First Sight UK, which has sparked debate about contestant welfare and the responsibilities of production companies.

Describing the allegations raised by former participants as "really sad", Ms Kamwi said she believed reality TV producers have a duty of care towards contestants.

"I think everyone who's spoken out about their experiences are really very brave and I'm glad they did," she said.

"Production have a duty of care. The TV company have a duty of care. Welfare have a duty of care."

Ms Kamwi argued that some former participants appeared to have been "failed" by those responsible for their wellbeing and said reality television should provide a safe environment for contributors.

"I think they've been failed by the welfare team. I think they've been failed by production," she said.

By contrast, the influencer praised the welfare support she received during her own appearances on Love Island, saying producers often checked on her even when she had not requested assistance.

"If anything, I never got sent to the therapist without me even asking for it, just because I was having a rubbish day," she said.

She also praised the programme's aftercare provisions, including access to therapy following the series.

"I think the welfare element of it is really good," she said.

Ms Kamwi first appeared on Love Island in 2021, where she reached the final alongside Tyler Cruickshank and finished in fourth place.

Since leaving the villa, she has built a successful career as an influencer, entrepreneur and fashion content creator, while also launching her haircare brand Tambala.

Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter