Why Sherif Lanre left Love Island revealed as he speaks out

Sherif Lanre has revealed exactly why he left Love Island 2019.

It was announced at the start of last week that Sherif had left the show after just nine days.

ITV said in a statement that Sherif had “mutually agreed” with producers to withdraw from the show after “breaking the villa rules”.

Now Sherif has spoken out about the reasons behind his exit, blaming it on a play with fellow Islander Molly-Mae Hague.

He told The Sun newspaper in an interview how the pair of them were messing about when he accidentally kicked her in the groin.

Sherif is said to have joked afterwards: “That’s a c*** punt”

“I have never used the word before and I realise how insulting it is to women,” Sherif told the tabloid today (Sunday, June 16). “As someone raised by a strong and loving mother, I want to say that I would never intentionally offend women.

“I was completely wrong and I apologise.”

He added: “I’ve never used the word before and don’t know where it came from. I think I’ve heard other people saying it and it just popped out. I know I have been stupid and let myself down but I was not being malicious.”

Sherif spoke out as various rumours spread on social media over his exit, which was barely acknowledged in the nightly shows.

“This has been blown out of all proportion and I have been made to look like a terrible person when I am not,” he said.

Sherif went on to suggest there could have been an element of racism in the decision to show him “a straight red card” over in the incident, which followed previous warnings over his language.

“I was the only black man in the villa and I was kicked out after ten days,” he said. “In my opinion, what happened was unconscious racism.

“There was, I felt, sexism. I feel I wouldn’t have been given that red card if I was a white woman.”

In a statement to the paper, a spokesperson for the show “strongly refuted” such accusations, saying: “All of the Islanders are treated fairly and in accordance with our duty of care.”

Sherif had previously taken to social media to reassure he was “all good” following his exit.

After returning from the villa in Majorca to his home in London, Sherif posted online: “Thank you to everyone including my friends and family for the support I’ve come back to.

“I appreciate you all and hope I provided some good, positive moments during my time on Love island and for anyone wondering I’m all good.”

He shared the message alongside the hashtags ‘It is what it is’ and ‘Better things to come.’

Meanwhile, it’s been reported that Sherif will NOT be a part of this weekend’s After Sun spin-off.

Caroline Flack typically hosts the show at 10PM on Sunday nights, but sources say Sherif will not feature in tonight’s episode.

Love Island 2019 continues nightly on ITV2.