In a shocking turn of events, Dejon Noel-Williams, one of the fresh faces from the latest ITV series of Love Island, has found himself in hot water with the law. The 26-year-old semi-pro footballer was questioned by police after being accused of stealing a phone during a night out in London, making headlines for all the wrong reasons.
This incident follows a troubling pattern within the series, as Kyle Ashman, another contestant, faced police scrutiny over a machete attack linked to a family incident earlier this year. While both stars were released without further action, Kyle was unceremoniously removed from the show due to the severity of his situation.
Despite his early exit from the popular dating show, Kyle was vocal about his removal, insisting, “I fully co-operated with this police investigation and made it very clear that I had no involvement in this incident. I am not a violent person, and any suggestion otherwise is a mischaracterisation.†His words echo the urgent need for these young stars to clarify their actions in the face of rising public scrutiny.
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for ITV has confirmed that they were aware of the aforementioned incident when Dejon was cast as an Islander. Reports indicate that he was questioned alongside Harlain Mbayo, a fellow footballer who subsequently accepted a community resolution, possibly as a means to address the dispute, which arose from a disagreement over food expenses and an Uber ride.
“I was never arrested. I voluntarily spoke to the police to clarify the truth about what happened in this incident,†Dejon stated in a recent interview, emphasizing his commitment to transparency as he reiterated that no further action was taken against him. “My intentions here were entirely honourable, and it is very upsetting to read claims that suggest otherwise.â€Â
The Metropolitan Police reported that officers responded to a robbery claim around 4:05 AM on March 16, stating that a phone was taken. Following an investigation, two men, including Dejon, voluntarily participated in interviews, leading to the recovery of the victim’s phone.
ITV has maintained that they follow rigorous background checks, confirming they speak to their contestants well before the show begins. Yet, with such controversies following the cast, one has to wonder what impact this will have on the show’s reputation in the long run. Will these incidents overshadow the anticipated love stories and dramatic moments that fans tune in for?