Love Island’s Jacques O’Neill has publicly apologised for his behaviour over the past few weeks, after receiving backlash on social media.
In a statement shared on his Instagram Story on Thursday, the 23-year-old said he’s taking “full responsibility” for his actions.
He 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.”
“I genuinely have no bad feelings towards anyone and I’ve not meant for anything to come across that way at all,” Jacques continued.
“It was not my intention and I’m genuinely sorry if it has. 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.”
“I had my first therapy session on Monday which really took me out of my comfort zone, 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,” he explained.
“I’m not asking for sympathy, I just want to acknowledge the situation and move forward as positively as I can. However, I know this can be used as an important lesson for me moving forward and over the coming years.”
Jacques concluded his statement by writing: “I hope I can become the person I want to be and use this new platform to spread a positive message. I’m sorry to anyone that I have let down.”
The rugby player dramatically quit the dating show in July, and later admitted signing up for Love Island was “the worst decision” of his life.
Since then, the 23-year-old has been accused of “bullying” two other contestants.
Last week, fans slammed Jacques for “mocking” Tasha Ghouri in a video that emerged online.
The clip was allegedly posted on his private Instagram Story the night of the Love Island final.
This y’all’s Jacques? #LoveIsland #jacques #TashaGhouri #Andrew #ekinsu #davide #Indiyah #dami #Damiyah #EKINDE pic.twitter.com/FlCgLADda8
— 🍒 (@aygfhdbli) August 4, 2022
In the video, Jacques is seen watching the show’s final episode with a friend when he appears to mock Tasha during her love declaration to Andrew Le Page.
As the dancer read out her speech, Jacques impersonated Davide Sanclimenti by shouting at the TV: “You are a liar, an actress, go the f**k out.”
The video went viral on Twitter and Reddit, as fans called out the rugby player for “belittling” Tasha.
Fuelling rumours of a feud between them, Tasha and Andrew have since unfollowed Jacques on Instagram.
Earlier this week, Jacques was also accused of “bullying” fellow Islander Remi Lambert.
Remi called out Jacques’ behaviour in a post shared on Instagram, after he appeared to mock his rapping skills during and Instagram Live with Luca Bish.
In the lengthy post, Remi claimed Jacques picked on him in the villa, and said he and Luca should have been kicked off the show for their alleged behaviour.
