'I meant no offence': Love Island's new bombshell Danny Bibby apologises for using the N-word and says he's 'learnt from his mistakes'... as bosses ignore viewers' calls to kick him off the show
Love Island's Danny Bibby has apologised for using the N-word in a historic Instagram comment, saying he 'meant no offence' and has 'learnt from his mistakes'.
The new bombshell, 25, made his debut on Thursday, however soon after the show aired fans delved into his Instagram and sourced the comment made in 2019.
Speaking from the villa, the plumber from Wigan wrote in a statement that he's 'not a racist person' and hopes viewers will now get to see the 'kind, loving' person he is.
'I meant no offence': Love Island's newcomer Danny Bibby has apologised for using the N-word in a historic Instagram comment, saying he 'meant no offence' (pictured on Thursday's show)
When contacted by MailOnline, a representative for Love Island said: 'Earlier today we raised our concerns with Danny regarding a historic social media post. He wishes to make the below statement:
'I'd like to take the time to apologise to anyone that may have taken offence to my inappropriate remark.
'I never meant anything malicious by this comment at all. I am not a racist person and it is unacceptable language and ignorant.
'I meant no offence and feel like I have really learnt from my mistakes and will never use that word again.
'I am a kind loving person and hopefully you get to see that in the show.'
Outrage: The apology comes amid growing outcry from fans of the hit ITV reality show to eject Danny, 25, from the villa although ITV2 bosses are yet to announce a decision
Danny's full statement
'I'd like to take the time to apologise to anyone that may have taken offence to my inappropriate remark.
'I never meant anything malicious by this comment at all. I am not a racist person and it is unacceptable language and ignorant.
'I meant no offence and feel like I have really learnt from my mistakes and will never use that word again.
'I am a kind loving person and hopefully you get to see that in the show.'
It comes after Danny's dad Richard has apologised on his behalf, saying: 'Danny does not have a racist bone in his body and there were no racist intentions to this post.
'I absolutely apologise on his behalf for the offence this wording may have caused.'
The apologies come amid growing outcry from fans to eject Danny from the villa although ITV2 bosses are yet to announce a decision.
Richard's full statement reads: 'Danny does not have a racist bone in his body and there were no racist intentions to this post...
'Although it was not done maliciously, it was a mistake.
'I absolutely apologise on his behalf for the offence this wording may have caused. That would never have been his intention.'
After Danny's show debut, dozens of fans shared their outrage on Twitter as an Instagram message from 2019 began circulating allegedly written by Danny in which he appeared to use an offensive racial slur causing viewers to call for his exit.
Shocking: The comment in question, written 85 weeks ago, sees an Instagram account which appears to be Danny's responding to a fellow Twitter user, who greets him with: 'Champ'. In response, the tattooed hunk's account replies: 'My n****'
Not acceptable: Another message, dated 26th November 2019, has also been circulated, in which the account uses the same offensive term
The comment in question, written 85 weeks ago when Danny was 23, sees an Instagram account which appears to be Danny's responding to a fellow Twitter user, who greets him with: 'Champ'.
In response, the tattooed hunk's account replies: 'My n****'.
Another message, dated 26th November 2019, has also been circulated, in which the account uses the same offensive term.
Reacting to the uncovered comment, viewers assumed the comment was sent by Danny and made their feelings abundantly clear, with one writing: 'We demand that the racist islander Danny is taken off the show immediately.'
While another shared: 'Danny is in fact a racist who previously used the n word on Instagram. @itvstudios @LoveIsland I assume you will be acting on this?'
'Sorry but new boy Danny is racist and they are making our queen KAZ GO ON A DATE WITH HIMMMMM???? Sorry but throw the casting crew and directors in the bin' tweeted a third.
Fury: Shortly after his appearance on screen, there began widespread outrage on Twitter as an Instagram message from 2019 began circulating allegedly written by Danny in which he appeared to use an offensive racial slur causing viewers to call for his exit
Danny's pre Love Island interview
Name: Danny Bibby
Age: 25
Location: Wigan
Occupation: Plumber and clothing brand owner
Why did you enter Love Island? My mindset has changed in the last year. Lockdown has really made me reevaluate my life and it's done me good
Will you stir things up in the villa? Not so much to stir it up but I will speak my mind. My Dad would say I've got no filter. I'll say whatever comes to mind - bad or good.
Which girls do you have your eye on? Lucinda is my type - nice eyes and tanned. Sharon is nice. I like Kaz's vibe. Kaz is bubbly like me so I think we'd get on like a house on fire. I think me and Kaz will vibe.
A fourth outraged user put: 'You better be giving this RACIST Danny the same energy you gave Sherif from S5. He better be packing his bags as I type this!'
'So #LoveIsland introduced Danny with no background check? His Instagram shows him using a racist term in his comments. It's unacceptable, but given the last week and the discussion about racist online comments, it can't be let slide' ranted a fifth.
With another adding: 'I wonder how love island will spin Danny leaving the villa early after the racist s**t found on his insta. The date has already happened and he's probably in the villa already.'
However, there were some viewers who came to Danny's defence, arguing the words were taken out of context and that using the word doesn't make him a racist.
'Yes Danny shouldn't be saying the N word but calling him racist is a stretch' tweeted one.
While another commented: 'Danny isn't racist. The context isn't racist. I don't think he should be sent home for this, it's unnecessary.'
Thursday's show saw Kaz, 29, scream with joy as Love Island producers revealed via text that another bombshell boy would enter the villa.
Reading from her phone, Kaz stuck out her tongue and said: 'Tonight Danny will enter the villa. He has chosen two girls to go on dates with. Kaz you're up first.'
She then let out an elated squeal at the news as a similarly excited Liberty grabbed her by the waist and span her around in celebration.
The other islanders let out whoops and cheers as the girls followed Kaz into the dressing room to help her get ready.
In the next episode of the show, Kaz will head on a date with plumber and clothing line owner Danny.
Ahead of his entry to the villa, the Wigan boy revealed: 'I like Kaz's vibe. Kaz is bubbly like me so I think we'd get on like a house on fire. I think me and Kaz will vibe.'
Danny looked ready to turn heads as he strutted to the date night dinner in a tight-fitting electric blue jumper and jeans.
They want him out: Reacting to the uncovered tweet, viewers made their feelings abundantly clear, with one writing: 'We demand that the racist islander Danny is taken off the show immediately'
The plumber also revealed Lucinda was his type - 'nice eyes and tanned' - and that he thought Sharon was 'nice'.
This isn't the only time Love Island has been caught up in a racism storm.
In the 2020 winter series, the show was hit with 272 complaints in the first episode after over Siânnise Fudge compared her partner Nas Majeed - the only Asian contestant - to Aladdin.
Support: However, there were some viewers who came to Danny's defence, arguing the words were taken out of context and that using the word doesn't make him a racist
Other fans of the show were left outraged because of the inclusion of big game hunter Ollie Williams in the line up.
A spokesperson for OfCom told MailOnline 'We received 272 complaints in total about last night's Love Island.
'231 are Ollie being a contestant. 36 of these are about Nas being referred to as Aladdin.'
'Tonight Danny will enter the villa': Thursday's show saw Kaz , 29, scream with joy as Love Island producers revealed via text that another bombshell boy would enter the villa
Making an entrance: Reading from her phone, Kaz stuck out her tongue and said: 'Tonight Danny will enter the villa. He has chosen two girls to go on dates with. Kaz you're up first'
'We will assess these complaints against our broadcasting rules, but are yet to decide whether or not to investigate.'
The complaints come after social media erupted with viewers who were furious about both matters.
When no one chose to step forward for Nas, Siânnise claimed 'I'm not too sure about the shorts' as her excuse when quizzed about why she didn't fancy him.
Trying to make a joke out of the situation, the Disney fan piped up that Nas 'looked like Aladdin' - despite bearing no resemblance to the animated character.
Oh dear! In the 2020 winter series, the show was hit with 272 complaints in the first episode after over Siânnise Fudge compared her partner Nas Majeed - the only Asian contestant - to Aladdin
Race row: A spokesperson for Ofcom told MailOnline 'We received 272 complaints in total about last night's Love Island. '231 are Ollie being a contestant. 36 of these are about Nas being referred to as Aladdin'
Elsewhere, earlier this year, Lucie Donlan was bombarded with messages online accusing her of racism following the discovery of old Instagram comments by social media site Reddit in which she claimed Yewande Biala 'bullied' her during the 2019 series.
Scientist Yewande hit back, accusing the blonde of refusing to pronounce her name correctly on the show and co-star Amber Gill also weighed in, branding Lucie a 'b**ch and a liar' for her allegations.
Yewande had since penned a piece claiming that 'mispronouncing names is another form of racism' following her spat with former co-star Lucie.
Drama: Elsewhere, earlier this year, Lucie Donlan was bombarded with messages online accusing her of racism following the discovery of old Instagram comments by social media site Reddit in which she claimed Yewande Biala 'bullied' her during the 2019 series
It came after she had earlier penned a statement appearing to brand Lucie an 'oppressor' and claimed she had 'stripped her of her identity' by asking to call her by another name, after the pair's secret feud emerged.
Lucie told how she had received death threats after their feud escalated into a race row, and told MailOnline at the time that she was adamant her inability to pronounce Yewande's name in a challenge was an 'accident.'
Love Island continues Friday at 9pm on ITV2 and ITV Hub. Episodes are available the following morning on BritBox.
Anger: Yewande had since penned a piece claiming that 'mispronouncing names is another form of racism' following her spat with former co-star Lucie
Love Island 2021 - Meet the contestants
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Where are the Love Island winners now - and what are they worth?
LOVE ISLAND 2021: MEET THE CONTESTANTS
Sharon Gaffka
Name: Sharon Gaffka
Age: 25
Location: Oxford
Occupation: Civil Servant - Operations Lead for Department of Transport
Who is their type on paper? 'I tend to date someone who is taller than me, even though my last long-term partner, he was actually someone who was shorter than me.
'I'm quite an intellectual person so I want someone who can kind of match that.'
Aaron Francis
Name: Aaron Francis
Age: 24
Location: London
Occupation: Luxury Events Host
Who is their type on paper? 'I need someone that is passionate about what they are doing - from scientist to anything - you can tell when someone is speaking about something and they are actually smiling while they are talking. I love that.
'I don't like when people are doing a job just to make money and then they kind of just live for the weekend. Especially because I work on the weekends.'
Liberty Poole
Name: Liberty Poole
Age: 21
Location: Birmingham
Occupation: Nando's Waitress and Marketing Student
Who is their type on paper? 'So I like tall, alpha male, confident, a cheeky chappy sort of guy.
'But obviously that's always usually combined with player types, which is where I go wrong. So I am trying to change my ways and go for more of a nicer guy that is going to treat me right.'
Hugo Hammond
Name: Hugo Hammond
Age: 24
Location: Hampshire
Occupation: PE Teacher
Who is their type on paper? 'I've been single for a while now. With the current climate, it's been really hard to get back into dating.
'I saw it as an opportunity to have an amazing fun summer and put myself back out there.'
Liam Reardon
Name: Liam Reardon
Age: 21
Location: Wales
Occupation: Bricklayer
Are you competitive? 'I am competitive to a certain extent. I’m not over the top. It’s always nice being a winner. If I’m in competition for a female, I want to try my best, but I won’t go too far out of my way. If she liked you that much she wouldn’t have to make a choice.'
Jake Cornish
Name: Jake Cornish
Age: 24
Location: Weston-super-Mare
Occupation: Water Engineer
Who is their type on paper? 'Looks wise, always gone for blondes. But for me, the main thing is having respect and having good fun, and someone who will be loyal to you...
'I've had messages from girls that have got boyfriends and husbands. This is why I don't trust anyone. Someone who is loyal really. But when I'm single, I like having a good time!'
Kaz Kamwi
Name: Kaz Kamwi
Age: 26
Location: Essex
Occupation: Fashion Blogger
Who is their type on paper? 'I like meeting new people, I'm ready to be in a relationship. Why not be in a place where people are looking for the same things as me?'
Chloe Burrows
Name: Chloe Burrows
Age: 25
Location: Bicester
Occupation: Financial Services Marketing Executive
Who is their type on paper? 'I like a good build. I go to the gym. I want someone who is funny. Really funny and caring and will do nice little things for you.
'And then obviously someone who you can depend on to not ditch you. Because I am quite a big character and quite loud, they would have to be as loud, if not more.
'I could never be with someone who is quiet. Someone that gives you a bit back'
Faye Winter
Name: Faye Winter
Age: 26
Location: Devon
Occupation: Letting Manager
What is her type on paper? 'Someone that will put me in my place. Someone that makes me laugh. But also someone that takes my banter. I’m like a five-year-old in a playground, if I like you, I will make a mockery of you and laugh and joke. That is my really terrible flirting skills. I need someone who can take that.'
Rachel Finni
Name: Rachel Finni
Age: 29
Location: London
Occupation: Luxury travel specialist
Why did you sign up for Love Island? I've scraped the bottom of the dirtiest barrels, that’s how I describe my dating life. So I thought "why not? Let’s apply. If it happens, it happens".'
Lucinda Strafford
Name: Lucinda Strafford
Age: 21
Location: Brighton
Occupation: Online fashion boutique owner
Which boy do you have your eye on? I really fancy Brad. And then possibly Liam. But obviously I’m open to getting to know any of the other boys.
Name: AJ (Andrea-Jane) Bunker
Age: 28
Location: Hertfordshire
Occupation: Hair extension technician
Why did you sign up for Love Island? 'I’ve had the worst luck with men. I feel like this is the one thing I haven’t tried. I thought why not? Let’s give it a go.'
Brad McClelland
Name: Brad McClelland
Age: 26
Location: Northumberland
Occupation: Labourer
Who is their type on paper? Sommer Ray from Instagram. Zara McDermott, she's a good-looking lass. Or Megan Fox.
Toby Aromolaran
Name: Toby Aromolaran
Age: 22
Location: Essex
Occupation: Semi-pro footballer
How would he describe himself? 'Optimistic. I always see the bright side in the worst situations. I'm a fun guy when I go on a night out. Responsible guy as well.'
Chuggs Wallis
Name: Chuggs Wallis
Age: 23
Location: Surrey
Occupation: Hat entrepreneur
Why did you sign up for Love Island? 'I just feel like it’s now or never. I’m only 23 but I’m scared of aging. Especially as half of my last year of uni was taken away and we had so many fun plans. With Covid and the pandemic, I feel like I’ve missed a year of my youth, so I’m really gagging to get it all back – make the most of it.'
Millie Court
Name: Millie Court
Age: 24
Location: Essex
Occupation: Fashion buyer’s administrator
Why did you sign up for Love Island? I’ve been single for over a year now. I’m ready to find ‘The One’. I’m a very spontaneous and adventurous person. I’m always up for doing something new and challenging myself. I’ve never done anything like this before. I just want to throw myself into it and have fun with it'
Teddy Soares
Name: Teddy Soares
Age: 26
Location: Manchester
Occupation: Senior financial consultant
What girl do you have your eye on? I want to get to know all of the girls. I’m not afraid to step on toes to get the girl I want.
LOVE ISLAND 2021: MEET THE CONTESTANTS
Sharon Gaffka
Name: Sharon Gaffka
Age: 25
Location: Oxford
Occupation: Civil Servant - Operations Lead for Department of Transport
Who is their type on paper? 'I tend to date someone who is taller than me, even though my last long-term partner, he was actually someone who was shorter than me.
'I'm quite an intellectual person so I want someone who can kind of match that.'
Aaron Francis
Name: Aaron Francis
Age: 24
Location: London
Occupation: Luxury Events Host
Who is their type on paper? 'I need someone that is passionate about what they are doing - from scientist to anything - you can tell when someone is speaking about something and they are actually smiling while they are talking. I love that.
'I don't like when people are doing a job just to make money and then they kind of just live for the weekend. Especially because I work on the weekends.'
Liberty Poole
Name: Liberty Poole
Age: 21
Location: Birmingham
Occupation: Nando's Waitress and Marketing Student
Who is their type on paper? 'So I like tall, alpha male, confident, a cheeky chappy sort of guy.
'But obviously that's always usually combined with player types, which is where I go wrong. So I am trying to change my ways and go for more of a nicer guy that is going to treat me right.'
Hugo Hammond
Name: Hugo Hammond
Age: 24
Location: Hampshire
Occupation: PE Teacher
Who is their type on paper? 'I've been single for a while now. With the current climate, it's been really hard to get back into dating.
'I saw it as an opportunity to have an amazing fun summer and put myself back out there.'
Liam Reardon
Name: Liam Reardon
Age: 21
Location: Wales
Occupation: Bricklayer
Are you competitive? 'I am competitive to a certain extent. I’m not over the top. It’s always nice being a winner. If I’m in competition for a female, I want to try my best, but I won’t go too far out of my way. If she liked you that much she wouldn’t have to make a choice.'
Jake Cornish
Name: Jake Cornish
Age: 24
Location: Weston-super-Mare
Occupation: Water Engineer
Who is their type on paper? 'Looks wise, always gone for blondes. But for me, the main thing is having respect and having good fun, and someone who will be loyal to you...
'I've had messages from girls that have got boyfriends and husbands. This is why I don't trust anyone. Someone who is loyal really. But when I'm single, I like having a good time!'
Kaz Kamwi
Name: Kaz Kamwi
Age: 26
Location: Essex
Occupation: Fashion Blogger
Who is their type on paper? 'I like meeting new people, I'm ready to be in a relationship. Why not be in a place where people are looking for the same things as me?'
Chloe Burrows
Name: Chloe Burrows
Age: 25
Location: Bicester
Occupation: Financial Services Marketing Executive
Who is their type on paper? 'I like a good build. I go to the gym. I want someone who is funny. Really funny and caring and will do nice little things for you.
'And then obviously someone who you can depend on to not ditch you. Because I am quite a big character and quite loud, they would have to be as loud, if not more.
'I could never be with someone who is quiet. Someone that gives you a bit back'
Faye Winter
Name: Faye Winter
Age: 26
Location: Devon
Occupation: Letting Manager
What is her type on paper? 'Someone that will put me in my place. Someone that makes me laugh. But also someone that takes my banter. I’m like a five-year-old in a playground, if I like you, I will make a mockery of you and laugh and joke. That is my really terrible flirting skills. I need someone who can take that.'
Rachel Finni
Name: Rachel Finni
Age: 29
Location: London
Occupation: Luxury travel specialist
Why did you sign up for Love Island? I've scraped the bottom of the dirtiest barrels, that’s how I describe my dating life. So I thought "why not? Let’s apply. If it happens, it happens".'
Lucinda Strafford
Name: Lucinda Strafford
Age: 21
Location: Brighton
Occupation: Online fashion boutique owner
Which boy do you have your eye on? I really fancy Brad. And then possibly Liam. But obviously I’m open to getting to know any of the other boys.
Name: AJ (Andrea-Jane) Bunker
Age: 28
Location: Hertfordshire
Occupation: Hair extension technician
Why did you sign up for Love Island? 'I’ve had the worst luck with men. I feel like this is the one thing I haven’t tried. I thought why not? Let’s give it a go.'
Brad McClelland
Name: Brad McClelland
Age: 26
Location: Northumberland
Occupation: Labourer
Who is their type on paper? Sommer Ray from Instagram. Zara McDermott, she's a good-looking lass. Or Megan Fox.
Toby Aromolaran
Name: Toby Aromolaran
Age: 22
Location: Essex
Occupation: Semi-pro footballer
How would he describe himself? 'Optimistic. I always see the bright side in the worst situations. I'm a fun guy when I go on a night out. Responsible guy as well.'
Chuggs Wallis
Name: Chuggs Wallis
Age: 23
Location: Surrey
Occupation: Hat entrepreneur
Why did you sign up for Love Island? 'I just feel like it’s now or never. I’m only 23 but I’m scared of aging. Especially as half of my last year of uni was taken away and we had so many fun plans. With Covid and the pandemic, I feel like I’ve missed a year of my youth, so I’m really gagging to get it all back – make the most of it.'
Millie Court
Name: Millie Court
Age: 24
Location: Essex
Occupation: Fashion buyer’s administrator
Why did you sign up for Love Island? I’ve been single for over a year now. I’m ready to find ‘The One’. I’m a very spontaneous and adventurous person. I’m always up for doing something new and challenging myself. I’ve never done anything like this before. I just want to throw myself into it and have fun with it'
Teddy Soares
Name: Teddy Soares
Age: 26
Location: Manchester
Occupation: Senior financial consultant
What girl do you have your eye on? I want to get to know all of the girls. I’m not afraid to step on toes to get the girl I want.