Zara McDermott opens up about revenge porn scandal

Former Love Island star Zara McDermott is finally opening up about the revenge porn she was a victim of following her entrance in Love Island back in 2018 on the BBC.

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Zara entered the villa along with Ellie Brown and she quickly coupled with Adam Collard. Despite being one of the strongest couples of the season to leave the villa together (they got matching tattoos!), Zara dumped Adam after he got caught cheating on her.

View this post on Instagram
how I look at my boyfriend when I want attention
A post shared by Zara McDermott (@zara_mcdermott) on Feb 12, 2020 at 9:07am PST

Zara had to face Image-Based Sexual Abuse (more commonly known as revenge porn) following a leak of her intimate photos. McDermott's private photos found their way circulating on Whatsapp and other social media platforms when she entered the villa.

This past Friday, March 13th, the star shared with her 1.3 million followers pictures of her with a camera crew on her Instagram, where she revealed she'll be opening up on her experience. According to her statement:

‘I feel passionate about helping other people in the situation I was in so I’ll be sharing my story in detail for the first time.Confronting issues head-on is the only way we can make change and I am putting my heart into this documentary in the hope that it will make people think twice about revenge porn.’

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ANNOUNCEMENT. Hi Everyone. Some of you may be aware that I have been a victim of Image Based Sexual Abuse, which is also known as Revenge Porn. For those of you who don’t know what this is, it’s basically when one person shares intimate images of videos of another person without their consent. I am really humbled and honoured to announce that the BBC and I are currently making a documentary to share my story. My main aim is to bring awareness to this issue, and be a voice for those who have suffered in silence and to help make a change. I am sharing my story and being my most vulnerable, emotional and raw. This has affected my life and me as a person tremendously, and for the first time I’m confident enough to properly speak out and share my story. I am nervous to share these intimate details with the world but I hope that it will only make positive change and lessen the blame on us victims. The documentary will be out in a few months time on @bbcthree. Thank you so much❤️
A post shared by Zara McDermott (@zara_mcdermott) on Mar 13, 2020 at 2:57am PDT

The former islander announced that she is working a full documentary with BBC Three to explore her experience as a victim and try to understand the motivation behind those who share sexual content of ex-partners. McDermott said she is "humbled" and "honoured" to be making the show, a 60-minute documentary, and hopes she can be the "voice for those who have suffered in silence and to help make a change.'

'This has affected my life and me as a person tremendously, and for the first time I’m confident enough to properly speak out and share my story,' she said.

'I am nervous to share these intimate details with the world but I hope that it will only make positive change and lessen the blame on us victims.'

Fans were quick to show their support and championed the star for her courage and bravery. The documentary will air on BBC Three in the coming months.