Love Island star Danny Bibby has broken his silence after his exit from the villa to apologise for using a racial slur before joining the show.
Broadcasting watchdog Ofcom was hit with more than 1,500 complaints over his casting after social media users found an old post in which Danny used the N-word back in 2019.
He was dumped from the show last week and is now back home, and he returned to Instagram to explain and apologise.
Danny wrote: “Hello everyone, I am finally home safe and sound and back with my friends and family and more importantly my cat ruffin.
“Whilst I would have liked to have stayed in a little longer so people could have got to know the real Danny Bibby, I am glad to be back so I can address the matter of the post on Instagram properly.
(Image: @dannybibby_)
“Whilst I was made aware of this and issued an apology whilst in the villa, the matter has always been on the front of my mind during the days in there and I would like to now add to what was said.”
Danny went on to explain that he’d seen the backlash over his post and said he’s “truly sorry” for using the word.
The telly star added that he wasn’t aware it would have caused offence in the way that he’d written it, and insisted it came from his love of rap music.
(Image: ITV)
Danny added: “After seeing all the comments and reaction to the post, I understand more that the use of the word, even in the way it was written and intended, is deeply offensive to people and I am truly sorry for using that word.
“I was always aware that written in the other way was a vile term, and I would never use it. But I was unaware that the way I used it was not.
“I have listened too the likes of 50cent, drake and Eminem since I was a kid, and I used it like they do as a term of friends/bro/brother.
“THAT IS THE TRUTH. I now know the term is unacceptable in any context, and will NEVER use it again.
“Education is key to solving problems, and I have learned a very valuable lesson. I hope others will too. I whole heartedly apologise to anyone who I have offended and ask your forgiveness.”
The telly star concluded his message by insisting he wants to put the incident behind him and getting on with living a “normal life”.
He went on: “I would like to now get on a normal life with my brilliant friends and family.
“I’d like to say a big thank you to all my friends, family and the public for their overwhelming support throughout my love island journey.”