“Your days are numbered” — Love Island UK fans react to Ben saying Shakira “needed to be humbled”

Shakira and Ben from Love Island UK Season 12 | Image via Instagram/ @loveisland
Shakira and Ben from Love Island UK Season 12 | Image via Instagram/ @loveisland

The recent episode of Love Island UK saw a dramatic shift in tensions, and Ben's remark about fellow contestant Shakira set the stage for unexpected turmoil. In a private conversation with newcomer Toni, Ben said that Shakira "needed to be humbled" after Toni's entrance disrupted the original coupling. His remark landed hard, adding gravity to an already volatile atmosphere.

The fallout from that moment was swift, as Ben's words were interpreted as condescending and dismissive, causing widespread discomfort among the villa cast. Behind the scenes, the issue of respect and emotional sensitivity started to linger, weighing heavily on the group dynamic.

As soon as the exchange took place, viewers at home responded with amazement, disappointment, and rage. After such disrespect, many people thought Ben's actions went too far, and others questioned if his position in the villa was still suitable. A flurry of fan comments regarding personal responsibility was triggered by the incident, which put immediate pressure on the show's course.

An admirer of Love Island UK wrote,

"“humbled her” ben your days are numbered in that villa don’t even worry #LoveIslandUK"

Another fan shared,

"DID BEN REALLY JUST SAY TONI COMING IN/PICKING HIM HAS “HUMBLED SHAKIRA, SHE NEEDED THAT.” ?!?! HUUUUH?! WHO THE F*CK DOES MANS THINK HE IS SAYING A WOMAN NEEDS TO BE “HUMBLED”?! Mind you he just met Shakira this very same goddamn day. Ben, come outside. #loveisland #loveislanduk"
"What was that about Shakira being humbled, Ben? #LoveIsland #LoveIslandUK," an admirer questioned.

More fans of Love Island UK called out Ben for making a comment about Shakira.

A tweet from a netizen read,

"Humbled shakira ?!!?? Sorry who does this guy think he is #LoveIslandUK"

A viewer commented,

"Ben- “Shakira needed to be humbled” wtf is his problem? #LoveIslandUK"
"Not only do I need the challenge back where they read our tweets (lowkey so that they can find out what they’re saying about each other behind each other’s backs) but I need it to be weekly bc I need Shakira to know Ben wanted her to be “humbled” rn. Finish him. #loveislanduk," an X user shared.

"She needed that" — Love Island UK star Ben comments on Shakira in season 12 episode 2

Shortly after bombshell Toni entered the villa and stole Ben from Shakira, he made a comment about her that immediately raised eyebrows. He made the remark in a private conversation, defending Toni's calculated action and downplaying Shakira's emotions in favor of his own idea of emotional equilibrium.

"You humbled Shakira, she needed that I think," Ben said.

Following this, Toni selected him over Shakira, leaving Shakira single and visibly shaken, triggering a dramatic shift in villa dynamics. Social media users reacted quickly, calling Ben's remark a "red flag" moment. Many demanded that he be taken off the show for his heartless behavior. Since his relationship with Shakira had appeared sincere only hours before, the response brought to light the general unease at his casual dismissal of her feelings.


You can watch Love Island UK every night at 9 pm on ITV2 and ITVX.

Edited by Zainab Shaikh