Love Island's Gabriel issues statement after being removed from show over connection to stabbing case

Gabriel Garland has spoken out after he was removed from this summer's Love Island series after being named in court documents regarding a stabbing incident.

The 24-year-old entered as a Casa Amor contestant but swiftly exited before fans of the show had even registered his arrival, something which was later confirmed to be due to a situation in his past.

He has now taken to social media to address the news, suggesting that a judge found no wrongdoing on his part and that he has no criminal record.

Speaking earlier today (3 July) on his Instagram, Garland said: “It is a shame that I’m making this video, but after everything that’s been said about me over the past couple days, I just wanted to clear a few things up.

"There was an incident that happened at a party I was at when I was a teenager. This incident is obviously one that should not be taken lightly, and was very traumatic for everyone concerned.”

He continued: “I just wanted to make it clear that the legal judge has found no wrongdoing against me, and I don’t have a criminal record.

"This has obviously resulted in me leaving Love Island, which is very disappointing, especially from a personal perspective.”

Garland also made reference to the 'really strong connection' that he made during his time on the show, suggesting it was 'sad' that viewers didn't get to see it.

“I just wanted to tell you guys this directly instead of having headlines say it for me, and thank people for sending me kind and supportive messages, it really means a lot,” he added. “I’m very grateful, because I do just want to move forward from this in a positive way, so thank you.”

You can watch his full video below:

ITV said to The Sun: “We will not be commenting further out of a duty of care towards participants.”

Of course, this is not the only controversy to affect this season of Love Island, after footballer George Knight was also asked to leave the villa.

While Knight suggested that he left the show after he received some health news about a close family member, The Sun claimed that Knight was actually kicked out of the villa after receiving a warning for using ‘unacceptable language’.

There is no suggestion that the health news Knight mentioned was fabricated, with ITV telling LADbible he left the show for 'private reasons'.

LADbible has contacted ITV and Garland for a comment.