Zara McDermott: Love Island star ‘just wanted to die’ after being victim of revenge porn

Influencer has had naked photos shared without her consent twice

Love Island star Zara McDermott says that she “wanted to die” after being the victim of revenge porn while on TV.

The reality star and influencer, who appeared on the fourth series of ITV’s dating show in 2018, is the host of a new BBC Three documentary about revenge porn, an act in which intimate photos or videos are shared without the subject’s consent.

McDermott, 24, reveals in the documentary that she has been the victim of revenge porn twice, once when she was 14 and a second time while she was in the Love Island villa.

In the second incident, naked photos of McDermott, who was 21 at the time, were circulated on WhatsApp before making their way to Twitter and eventually the tabloid press.

“The night I left the villa, I was obviously feeling super emotional,” McDermott said.

McDermott broke down during the documentary (BBC)

“Woke up the following morning, knock at the door and it was the press officer [saying], ‘Someone has shared some images of you and they’ve been circulating pretty much worldwide since you’ve been in the villa.’”

Choking up, McDermott continued: “I can’t even tell you that feeling, of [feeling] like your parents are ashamed of you… How were they ever going to look at me the same ever again? Am I ever going to be able to heal this relationship.”

The model then broke down in tears, saying: “It was so embarrassing and I just wanted to die.”

In the documentary, McDermott speaks to other young women who have been the victim of revenge porn, as well as attempting to get in touch with the former partners who shared her photos and discussing what happened with her parents for the first time.

Zara McDermott: Revenge Porn is on BBC iPlayer now.

If you or someone you know has been a victim of revenge porn, you can seek confidential help and support from the Revenge Porn Helpline. Visit their website for more information.