Love Island star Connor Durman apologises for ‘racist and hurtful’ comments to ex-girlfriend

Former coffee bean salesman admitted he previously stayed quiet because he was ‘scared’

Connor Durman with Sophie Piper on Love Island 2019 (Rex Features)

Love Island star Connor Durman has apologised for “racist” comments he made in text messages to his ex-girlfriend.

The former coffee bean salesman, who appeared on the first ever winter series of the ITV2 reality show last year, wrote a lengthy Instagram post saying sorry for comments that were leaked to the press in January.

According to reports, Durman had sent text messages to Stevie-Leigh Pich saying it was “rank” and "grim" to sleep with black men.

"During my time in lockdown and seeing the BLM movement,” wrote Durman in his new post, “it has given me time to reflect on my past and comments made during a heated conversation between myself and my ex-girlfriend, before my time in Love Island 2019.

"Firstly I would like to say I’m extremely sorry for my inappropriate and racist remarks written in the message.”

He continued: "I completely failed to think about my words and ended up saying something hurtful and insensitive, when I was in an angry and emotional state of mind, talking privately with someone close to me.

"The comments made were not a true reflection of the Connor Durman you all know today. However I understand now, there is no excuse for reinforcing racist comments.

Durnam added: “I plan to use my influence and social platforms positively, expressing in line with the peaceful protests that is it time for a permanent change.”

In an emotional video on his Instagram Stories, Durnam told his followers: “I feel like now’s the perfect time to address what I’ve said in the past, a stupid comment I made when I was in a bad place. I wasn’t thinking straight. Everyone around me, my friends and family know it wasn’t me…

“Staying silent is the worst thing you can do and I’m sorry from the bottom of my heart but the reason I never came out before and addressed it is because I’ve been scared the whole time. I’ve been so scared about everything.”