Jacques O’Neill Issues Statement Addressing Bullying Accusations

"I take full responsibility for my actions. I'm aware I'm far from perfect and that there is work that needs to be done on myself."

 

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A post shared by Jacques O’Neill (@jacques9oneill_)

Love Island star Jacques O’Neill has taken to Instagram to address recent bullying accusations levelled against him.

The 23-year-old ex-professional rugby player posted a lengthy statement to his Instagram account yesterday (11 August) apologising for his recent behaviour.

Sharing the statement to his story, the former islander wrote: “I just want to acknowledge the situation that’s happening right now and apologise if my behaviour has caused offence or been misinterpreted over the last few weeks.”

The statement comes following criticism of Jacques’s behaviour from fans after a video of him mocking fellow Love Island contestant Tasha Ghouri, taken from his private story, leaked online.

Jacques was also accused of bullying inside the villa by another member of this year’s cast, Remi Lambert. Remi released a statement about his treatment during the show in a recent Instagram post, calling out Jacques and fellow islander Luca Bish.

Jacques’ statement continued with the former Castle Ford Tigers player explaining: “Life has been very overwhelming recently and admittedly I’ve probably not handled myself in the best possible way.

“I take full responsibility for my actions. I’m aware I’m far from perfect and that there is work that needs to be done on myself.”

Jacques also shared that he has recently started to attend therapy and told followers: “I know I have needed this for years but it’s only now I have decided to get help. I know it’s a step in the right direction for me even after just 1 session.

The Cumbria native concluded by saying “I’m not asking for sympathy, I just want to acknowledge the situation and move forward as positively as I can.”

The statement also comes as Love Island’s Paige Thorne, Jacques’ former romantic interest on the show, deleted all photos of the rugby player from her Instagram feed.

Written by Ellen Glynn.

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