The latest series of Love Island has once again delivered its signature mix of drama, romance, and controversy, with contestant Harry Cooksley at the center of attention. Harry has raised eyebrows with a string of shocking confessions, including a claim that he once slept with an entire women’s football team in a single night. His behavior in the villa has also caused a stir, particularly after being dumped by Helena for kissing another contestant, Yasmin, multiple times. But it’s not just the villa inhabitants reacting — Harry’s mother has chimed in with her own thoughts.
Harry’s mom, in a lighthearted yet pointed remark, admitted on Loose Women that she has "disowned" her son on more than one occasion due to his antics. “Harry who? It just rolls off my tongue,” she joked, before expressing her concern about his treatment of women and his on-camera behavior.
A Mother’s Perspective
The discussion on Loose Women quickly turned to the question: How would you feel if your son behaved like Harry? Presenter Mariela made it clear that she wouldn’t even let her son appear on Love Island, stating, “If my son told me he was going on Love Island, I’d disown him immediately, before he even ended up on the show.” She added that Harry’s behavior, while extreme, is part of the show’s nature, which thrives on shocking moments.
The panel agreed that while Harry’s behavior is disappointing, the blame shouldn’t fall solely on him. They also pointed out the lack of accountability among some of the women in the villa. “It always seems to be the men who get called disgusting,” one panelist noted. “But what about the football team? Why is no one questioning why they participated in this?”
Where Does Parenting End and Accountability Begin?
The conversation shifted to the role of parents in shaping their children’s values. While most agreed that parents can only do so much, they also emphasized the importance of instilling respect for others from a young age. One panelist reflected on how her own mother’s disappointment would crush her: “If I ever heard my son talking about women like that, I’d be so disappointed. I’d ask him, ‘What would your sister or future daughter think if they heard you say this?’”
At the same time, the panel acknowledged that young adults make their own decisions, often influenced by peer pressure and the desire for attention. Today’s social media-driven culture, where likes and shares often validate behavior, was cited as a significant factor. “They brag because they think it’s cool, and they’re doing it for likes,” one panelist observed. “It’s part of this generation’s attitude to sex — they talk about it more openly, but sometimes it’s for the wrong reasons.”
A Generational Divide
The discussion also highlighted a generational divide in attitudes toward sex and relationships. While some panelists expressed concern over the normalization of shocking behavior, others pointed out that Love Island has always been a platform for extremes. “We tune in because it’s shocking,” one remarked. “But it does make you question what’s being celebrated and what example it sets.”
The Bigger Picture
Despite the drama, the panel concluded that Harry’s actions — and the reactions to them — reflect broader societal issues. From the way men and women are judged differently to the pressure to perform for an audience, Love Island is a microcosm of modern dating culture. And while Harry’s mom’s comments may have been tongue-in-cheek, they underline an important point: As parents, we can only guide our children so far. At some point, they must face the consequences of their actions.
In the end, Harry may regret his choices, especially knowing his mom is less than impressed. But as the Loose Women panelist concluded, “You can only do your best as a parent and hope they listen. If they make mistakes, you guide them back. That’s all you can do.”
