Former Love Island contestant Gabriel Garland has addressed his unexpected departure from the ITV dating programme, saying he was disappointed to leave but insisting he was never found guilty of any criminal wrongdoing.
Garland, 24, appeared briefly as one of this season’s Casa Amor bombshells before being removed from the villa after just one day. His scenes were subsequently removed from the programme, with broadcaster ITV confirming only that his exit was linked to “a situation in his past.”
Garland Says Court Cleared Him of Wrongdoing
In a video posted to Instagram, Garland said he wanted to clarify reports surrounding his departure and explain his connection to an incident that occurred during his teenage years.
According to Garland, he attended a party where a serious altercation took place when he was 17 years old. He acknowledged that the incident was traumatic for everyone involved but stressed that a judge found no wrongdoing on his part.
He added that he does not have a criminal record and said the circumstances ultimately led to his departure from Love Island, describing the outcome as personally disappointing.
Garland also revealed that he had begun forming what he described as a strong romantic connection inside the villa, which viewers never had the opportunity to see before his exit.
Reality Star Thanks Supporters
Concluding his statement, Garland thanked fans who had sent supportive messages since the news emerged.
He said the encouragement had meant a great deal to him and expressed a desire to move forward positively following the controversy.
Reports Linked Exit to 2019 London Stabbing Case
Garland’s departure followed reports that ITV became aware he was referenced in court documents connected to the conviction of Vitor Mazzer.
Mazzer was convicted of two counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent following a New Year’s Eve party on Casewick Road in London in 2019.
Court records reportedly state that Garland attended the gathering with Mazzer and that an altercation involving Garland occurred before Mazzer stabbed two victims.
Garland himself was not convicted of any offence in relation to the incident. During the court proceedings, his mother, Joanne Garland, provided a character statement on behalf of her son, who was 17 at the time.
Mazzer received a prison sentence of 42 months, and an appeal against his conviction was dismissed in April 2024.
ITV Confirms Contestant Will Not Return
Responding to inquiries following the reports, ITV confirmed Garland had permanently left the programme.
The broadcaster stated that he would not be returning to the villa after his brief appearance as one of the Casa Amor arrivals.
Before his exit, the programme’s official social media channels had promoted Garland alongside the other new contestants, with some viewers later questioning the show‘s background screening process.
George Knight’s Departure Also Draws Attention
Garland’s exit came shortly after fellow contestant George Knight also left the villa under separate circumstances.
ITV initially announced that Knight had departed for private reasons, and the footballer later explained that he chose to leave after learning of a health concern involving a close family member.
However, subsequent media reports claimed Knight had also received a formal warning from producers over the use of offensive language while in the villa. Sources suggested both the disciplinary issue and the family emergency occurred around the same time.
ITV has declined to comment further, citing its duty of care toward the contestant.
Knight Addresses Viewer Criticism
Speaking after leaving the programme, Knight recalled being called to meet senior producers before being informed that his parents wished to speak with him regarding a family health issue.
He said the information convinced him that returning home was the right decision.
Knight also responded to criticism from viewers over remarks he made during the series, including comments some interpreted as microaggressions. He acknowledged that certain moments may not have appeared favourable on television but argued that viewers only see a small portion of conversations filmed inside the villa.
He maintained that he had remained authentic throughout the experience, even if some comments attracted criticism after broadcast.
