Former Love Island UK Bombshell defends Shakira Khan amid ‘mean girl’ claims

Love Island UK continues to spark discussions off-screen as viewers react to how contestants are being portrayed. In a DesiBlitz article published on July 26, 2025, former Casa Amor bombshell Andrada Pop shared her thoughts on Shakira Khan’s portrayal, defending her against what fans have called a “mean girl edit.”

The backlash gained momentum following the Grafties episode, where clips of Islanders' private moments were aired in front of the villa. Although Shakira and her close friend Toni won “Best Double Act,” the award came with emotional fallout, particularly for Shakira, who was shown crying.

Fans questioned whether the footage shown was a fair representation of her personality.

The criticism also focused on the show’s editing choices, which some believe have been especially harsh on Shakira. In response, Andrada recalled her own experience in the villa, describing Shakira as “caring” and “loving.”

Andrada’s comments added to the growing support for Shakira, who has been visibly emotional in recent episodes and was reportedly considering leaving the show before being persuaded to stay.

Andrada Pop shares positive experience with Shakira in the Love Island UK villa

 

 

 

 

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During her short stay in the Love Island UK villa, Andrada Pop, who entered during Casa Amor and briefly coupled up with Ben Holbrough, said Shakira welcomed her with kindness. She shared,

“When I came in there, she was so caring.”

Andrada explained that Shakira offered her support immediately: “She took me under her wing,” she shared, adding that Shakira regularly checked in on her and lent her clothes and makeup.

She went on to say,

“I feel like Shakira has been really put out there to be very confrontational and mean girl or whatnot, but... she’s very loving.”

Andrada's remarks appeared to resonate with viewers who have expressed concerns over how Shakira has been portrayed.

After the Grafties aired, many felt that the footage painted Shakira and Toni in a negative light.

The episode, advertised as the “messiest night in showbiz,” led to multiple Islanders being shown footage of their actions, stirring tension in the villa. Despite winning the “Best Double Act” category, Shakira was left in tears.

Fans online began defending her character, with one viewer suggesting that Shakira was not a mean girl and that most people could see it despite the edit.

Another commenter expressed that she was amazing and did not deserve the treatment she was receiving.

Backlash grows over Shakira’s portrayal in Love Island UK episodes

Andrada’s comments have added to the wider debate about Shakira Khan’s portrayal on Love Island UK. The show’s Grafties segment, where the public votes on unseen moments, sparked controversy after emotional scenes involving Shakira were broadcast.

Several fans took to social media to argue that producers were focusing too heavily on Shakira’s confrontations while ignoring other parts of her personality. One user posted:

“I’m so happy one of the islanders has said this. I’m sick of Shakira getting a mean girl edit.”

Reports also emerged that Shakira had considered quitting the villa but was encouraged to stay by the ITV welfare team.

In recent episodes of Love Island UK, she has been seen breaking down in tears, with friends Toni and Yasmin offering comfort.

Andrada’s defense has shifted part of the conversation, highlighting Shakira’s softer side, one that viewers say has not been shown often on screen.

“We see the side where she’s very confrontational and stands on her business,” Andrada said, “but she has a very soft side.”

As public support grows, many are calling on the show to present a more balanced view of contestants like Shakira.

Stay tuned for more updates.