Love Island contestant Gabriel Garland has broken his silence after being removed from the villa due to his past connection to a stabbing incident. Garland, a 24-year-old model, entered the show as a Casa Amor bombshell but was removed after just one day, with his appearance subsequently removed from the program.
ITV confirmed Garland's departure was due to "a situation in his past." Reports later emerged that producers were made aware of his alleged involvement in an altercation where a man was stabbed. Garland addressed the claims in an Instagram video, expressing disappointment over his removal and stating that he had not been found guilty of any wrongdoing.
Garland explained that the incident occurred at a party when he was a teenager, describing it as "very traumatic for everyone concerned." He clarified that a legal judge found no wrongdoing against him and that he does not possess a criminal record. He also expressed sadness over leaving the show, particularly as he was forming a strong connection with another contestant that viewers did not get to see.
Earlier reports indicated that shortly after Garland's arrival, ITV was alerted to his mention in court documents related to the conviction of Vitor Mazzer. Mazzer was found guilty of two counts of grievous bodily harm with intent following a New Year's Eve party in 2019. Court documents state Garland attended the party with Mazzer, and that two victims had an altercation with Garland before Mazzer allegedly stabbed them. Garland's mother provided a character statement for him in court, noting he was 17 at the time of the incident. Mazzer was sentenced to 42 months in prison, and his appeal was denied in April 2024.
A representative for ITV stated, "Gabriel has now left the Villa and will not be returning." This incident follows the reported axing of another contestant, George Knight, who was allegedly warned for using offensive language. Knight, however, stated he left the show due to a family health concern.