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After the announcement that Flack had taken her own life on 15 February 2020, Flack was depicted as a tragic star and audiences were encouraged to sympathise with her. Her death triggered concerns over the damaging press coverage she faced leading up to her death and mainstream media outlets were massively criticised. However, despite movement being triggered by Flack's death, their is little evidence to suggest any change in in mainstream tabloid media today.

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In this article, mainstream media outlets are criticised for 'amplifying' damaging social media posts about Flack.

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Politicians have condemned press intrusion, calling for more regulation of both traditional and social media after the death of TV presenter Caroline Flack.

The former Love Island presenter is understood to have taken her own life on Saturday at her home in east London. She had been charged with assaulting her partner and was due to stand trial in several weeks' time.

ITV confirmed that Sunday's episode of Love Island would not be broadcast but the current series would continue on Monday.

Responding to reports that an ambulance was called to the presenter's address the day before she was found dead, a London ambulance service spokesperson said: "We were called shortly after 22.30 on 14 February to a residential property in north London.

"Crews attended and, following a clinical assessment, the person was not taken to hospital. Due to patient confidentiality we cannot comment further."

Labour leadership contender Keir Starmer criticised mainstream outlets for "amplifying" damaging social media posts about Flack, and signalled he would take action to "diversify" the press if he won the race to succeed Jeremy Corbyn.

The former director of public prosecutions said the presenter's death "shocked a lot of people", adding: "It wasn't just social media, it was the media amplifying what social media was doing. It was both strands. There is a human impact.

"The press more widely have to take responsibility as well. Not just for the hatred and abuse but for the vilification constantly of Labour MPs and Labour leaders. We have got to do something to diversify our press, to have a better media."

Fellow leadership contender Lisa Nandy said social media companies could not be left to police themselves, suggesting the current situation was like the "Wild West".

"I worry about the approaches that say we allow the social media companies to regulate themselves," she said. "In no other area of life would we allow private companies to police themselves. We ought to make sure the state has a system of regulation and support around that."

The transport secretary, Grant Shapps, in a media round on Sunday on behalf of the government, also referred to the results of the Online Harms white paper consultation, which looked at ways of better protecting children and vulnerable people.

Shapps said he did not know the full circumstances of the case but there should also naturally be a duty of care from the Crown Prosecution Service.

Speaking to Sky News' Sophy Ridge on Sunday, he said: "Of course there is a duty of care for everybody involved in these things but I think we need to be pretty careful at this stage. We don't know the circumstances as yet.

Daisy Cooper MP, who worked for the campaign group Hacked Off before being elected in December, said there must be more self-regulation before content is published online.

The Lib Dem politician said: "The hounding of Caroline Flack shows that parts of the British media continue to wreak havoc on people's lives.

"In Britain we have trial by courts and not trial by media for a reason. Regardless of what took place she should not have been hounded to death by tabloid newspapers desperate for clickbait.

"The government must stop dragging its feet in introducing independent self-regulation of online and offline publishers."

The health secretary, Matt Hancock, who is also responsible for mental health services, tweeted: "So sad to see the news of Caroline Flack's suicide. Shows we must do so much more as a society to look out for each other - whether online or off."

Tory health minister Nadine Dorries, who is responsible for suicide prevention, posted online: "Every life lost by suicide is a complete tragedy ... so many people will feel as though they lost someone they knew well, and who so many loved. My thoughts are with the family of Caroline Flack."

Labour MP Kate Osamor, who appeared in the press herself for a threatening confrontation with journalists who went to her home after her son was convicted of serious drug offences, wrote: "The trolling & abuse she suffered at the hands of the media was relentless. Being kind is so underrated. RIP Caroline flack."

Flack's partner, Lewis Burton, a 27-year-old tennis player who had not supported bringing the case against her, paid tribute to her on Instagram: "My heart is broken ... I am so lost for words I am in so much pain I miss you so much."

Flack presented many of UK television's biggest reality TV shows and their spin-offs, from The X Factor to I'm a Celebrity ... Get Me Out of Here Now!, and won the BBC show Strictly Come Dancing in 2014.

This article was amended on 17 February 2020 to correct a location detail.

In the UK and Ireland, Samaritans can be contacted on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org or jo@samaritans.ie. In the US, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-273-8255. In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is 13 11 14. Other international helplines can be found at www.befrienders.org.

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Caroline Flack: politicians condemn press intrusion after presenter's death

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Politicians have condemned press intrusion, calling for more regulation of both traditional and social media after the death of TV presenter Caroline Flack. The former Love Island presenter is understood to have taken her own life on Saturday at her home in east London.

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The 'mad girl' discourse dominated tabloid news outlets after allegations were made against her for assaulting her boyfriend in 2019. He she is repeatedly depicted as a hopeless individuals who is off the rails.

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The Guardian reports that an article written by The Sun depicting Flack and the caption 'I'll fucking lamp you' was taken down after her death as concerns had been raised about press coverage surrounding Flack following her arrest.

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The Sun has removed an article about a "brutal" Valentine's Day card mocking the deceased former Love Island presenter Caroline Flack from its website.

The story highlighted a card featuring a drawing of the presenter with a message saying "I'll fucking lamp you" but it was removed from the website and replaced with a legal warning, amid concerns about how the media handled coverage of her arrest.

It is unclear when the story about the Valentine's Day card, which was published on Friday but replaced with a legal removal story by Saturday evening - when her death was announced - was taken down.

Flack had been repeatedly targeted by the the tabloid press following her arrest for an alleged assault against her boyfriend last month, which counted her out from the current series of Love Island. The presenter was found dead on Saturday.

In the now-deleted story, the Sun highlighted the card mocking the alleged assault of her boyfriend Lewis Burton in December.

The "exclusive" story about the card quoted the card illustrator, Samuel Hague, who said his latest creation has been left "blank inside for your personal message" and comes with a "good quality red envelope".

When asked about the card, he said: "There's nothing I wish to add. I'm surprised that's the card you choose to write about. I've joked about far worse."

Love Island has attracted substantial press coverage for the aftercare support given to it contestants, after two people who had previously taken part in the hit ITV2 show killed themselves. The channel has insisted that these deaths happened long after the individuals were on the show.

Love Island has proved to be a financial cash cow for the broadcaster which last summer made clear it would provide substantial aftercare support to those who take part in the programme.

Flack was due to host Love Island's first winter edition, which is currently being broadcast from Cape Town in South Africa, but was replaced at the last minute by Laura Whitmore.

After being charged with assault, Flack was forced to stay away from her boyfriend and had severely limited her social media output.

On Saturday afternoon the Sun's executive editor, Dan Wootton, paid tribute to Flack: "Caroline was hung out to dry by ITV. She was distraught they didn't stand by her. And distraught about the lack of support she was given. Caroline and I were devastated to attend the funeral of our friend Mike Thalassitis last year. I cannot believe we are here again."

In the UK and Ireland, Samaritans can be contacted on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org or jo@samaritans.ie. In the US, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-273-8255. In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is 13 11 14. Other international helplines can be found at www.befrienders.org.
Topics

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The Sun takes down article about Caroline Flack from website

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The Sun has removed an article about a "brutal" Valentine's Day card mocking the deceased former Love Island presenter Caroline Flack from its website. The story highlighted a card featuring a drawing of the presenter with a message saying "I'll fucking lamp you" but it was removed from the website and replaced with a legal warning, amid concerns about how the media handled coverage of her arrest.

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These Tweets exemplify that online harassment was an issue that Caroline battled consistently throughout her career. The harassment often focussed on on physical appearance.

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BRITs 2019: Caroline Flack, 39, parties in a pink slip dress at Warner bash as she brands her 'cougar' label a 'badge of honour' and says she'll 'NEVER apologise for dating younger men'

Caroline Flack has reclaimed her 'cougar' title, calling it a 'badge of honour' in this week's You magazine.

In the candid interview, the Love Island host, 39, who was recently linked to AJ Pritchard, 24, also admitted she will 'never apologise for dating younger men'.

Meanwhile, on Wednesday evening, the presenter commanded attention as she rocked a pink Topshop slip dress for the BRITs Warner Music afterparty sponsored by CÎROC Vodka at London's Chiltern Firehouse on Wednesday evening.

She accentuated her slender figure in the light-coloured maxi dress, which flashed a hint of her lean legs with the number's thigh-high slit.

Earlier that evening, Caroline took to her Instagram account to share a picture of a front cover of You magazine, which said: 'If "cougar" is supposed to be an insult, I'm making it a badge of honour'.

Captioning the picture, she added: 'I normally keep my mouth shut when it comes to my life and being in the public eye ...

'But for the first time I really wanted to write something personal about some of the 'flack' I've had over the years and how I quite frankly don't care... thank you @jo_elvin for letting me let loose ❤️ OUT SUNDAY.'

In January, Caroline was pictured looking extremely cosy with Strictly star AJ Pritchard, 24, during a NTAs after-party at London's The O2 amid claims they locked lips.

Following her split from fiancé Andrew Brady, 28, last year, the Love Island host, who won Strictly in 2014, has remained relatively guarded over her relationship status.

With a 15 year age gap between her and AJ, it is not the first time Caroline has enjoyed an age gap romance after dating Harry Styles when he was 17 and she 32.

Caroline's exes:

Prince Harry, aged 34

Olly Murs, aged 34

Harry Styles, aged 24

Jack Street, aged 31

Andrew Brady, aged 28

Defending the relationship, she previously said: 'I keep thinking, what have I done wrong? But I haven't done anything wrong. What's hard for me to get my head around is people saying it's disgusting. I don't think it is...

'I feel like I shouldn't have to worry about what I do. But it's a social thing that people aren't accepting of big age gaps. I know it's human nature to gossip. But why say it's bad? No one's being hurt.'

Caroline has a penchant for younger men as she has a catalogue of younger exes including Olly Murs, Harry Styles, Jack Street and her latest ex Andrew.

The Love Island host also boasted she was dubbed 'Prince Harry's bit of rough' more than a decade ago after they met on a night out in 2009.

BRIT Awards 2019 WINNERS

BRITISH SINGLE

Anne-Marie - 2002

Winner: Calvin Harris and Dua Lipa - One Kiss

Clean Bandit ft Demi Lovato - Solo

Dua Lipa - IDGAF

George Ezra - Shotgun

Jess Glynne - I'll Be There

RAMZ - Barking

Rudimental - These Days

Siagla and Paloma Faith - Lullaby

Tom Walker - Leave A Light On

BRITISH VIDEO

Anne-Marie - 2002

Calvin Harris and Dua Lipa - One Kiss

Clean Bandit ft Demi Lovato - Solo

Dua Lipa - IDGAF

Jax Jones ft Ina Wroldsen - Breathe

Jonas Blue ft Jack & Jack - Rise

Liam Payne and Rita Ora - For You

Winner: Little Mix ft Nicki Minaj - Woman Like Me

Rita Ora - Let Me Love You

Rudimental - These Days

INTERNATIONAL MALE SOLO ARTIST

Eminem

Kamasi Washington

Shawn Mendes

Travis Scott

INTERNATIONAL FEMALE SOLO ARTIST

Camila Cabello

Cardi B

Christine & The Queens

Janelle Monae

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Caroline Flack, 39, reclaims her 'cougar badge of honour'

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Caroline Flack has reclaimed her 'cougar' title, calling it a 'badge of honour' in this week's You magazine. In the candid interview, the Love Island host, 39, who was recently linked to AJ Pritchard, 24, also admitted she will 'never apologise for dating younger men'.

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Caroline Flack admits she’s ‘Queen of the Cougars’ in defiant open letter

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The Love Island host has hit back at the criticism whilst revealing how she really feels about her ex Andrew Brady

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‘I regret absolutely nothing’: Caroline Flack in her own words

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She’s been labelled ‘Queen Cougar’ by the press and endured endless speculation about her love life. But Caroline Flack says the shamers are wasting their breath

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Numerous articles from tabloid news outlets depict Flack's acceptance of the 'cougar' label and insists she is not ashamed of it. She rebrands the negative connotations of the word and unapologetically makes it a 'bad of honour'.

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'If "cougar" is supposed to be an insult, I'm making it a badge of honour'.

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Flack used social media to stand up against hateful comments and publicly acknowledge 'cougar' label.

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Flack paid tribute to Mike Thalassitis after suicide in March 2019. 

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This post marks the loss of a friend for Flack but also illustrates that she is an advocate for mental health awareness.

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Flack's use of social media adds a layer of authenticity to her star image. Flack uses platforms such as Instagram and Twitter to fight back against online trolls as well to reclaim her own identity. Her response to online trolling helps her fans connect with her on a more personal and emotive level.

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'In a world where you can be anything, be kind.'

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Awarded the winner of Strictly Come Dancing (2014)

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Awarded the winner of Strictly Come Dancing (2014)

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Marks her success in the television industry as well as her success on the show.

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Love Island Bafta Award for 'Best Reality Show' (2018)

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Love Island Bafta Award for 'Best Reality Show' (2018)

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The opening episode of the fourth series of Love Island was watched by an average of 2.81million viewers (Hamilton, 2018) and the show won a Bafta Award for 'Best Reality Show' in 2018.

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Although the majority of the interview follows Flack's current projects, the title 'Caroline Flack On Her Chemistry With Olly Murs' falls into the sensationalist tabloid news trap. This suggests the media believe gossip around Flack's private life will get more clicks and views from the public.

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Caroline Flack On Her Chemistry With Olly Murs | Lorraine

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In an interview with Kathy Burke, Flack pushes back at media scrutiny of her relationships that ultimately frame her as 'sad', 'lonely', and 'unhappy'. She opens up about having felt guilt in the past for feeling no maternal desire but that she is following her own path and putting her career first. It shows strength in her character that she is able to defend herself against pseudo media representations without showing anger and frustration. She is telling her truth.

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Caroline Flack on the Power of Being Single

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In this interview, the promotion of Flack's autobiography 'Caroline Flack: Storm in a C Cup' is undermined by interviewers Holly Willoughby and Ben Shepard's intrusive questions about her rumoured relationship's with Prince Harry and Harry Styles.

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Caroline Flack Opens Up About Her Relationship With Prince Harry | This Morning

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These interviews demonstrate a continuity in the media's fascination of Flack's personal relationships. She is often described in terms of these relationships and put in a position where she has to defend herself.

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Caroline Flack made Strictly history after achieving perfect scoring from the Judges on all performances in the final and went home with the Glitterball trophy in 2014. However, even in her professional roles, Flack struggled to escape the gossip linked to her private life which ultimately define her star persona. Her Strictly Come Dancing profile describes her as 'no stranger to attractive men' and highlights her relationships with Prince Harry and Harry Styles.

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Caroline Flack is perhaps most well known for hosting the reality dating show Love Island. On the show, Flack is allowed to be her cheeky and flirty self, strengthening the authenticity of her star image. The show also places emphasis on her desirability through her appearance and the clothes she wears. She is often seen strutting in heels in slow motion entrance clips, similar to the contestants. She reluctantly stepped down from the show in December 2019 after assault allegations.

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In a Channel 4 film, Olly Murs recalled the extent of 'awful' online abuse both he and Flack encountered whilst hosting The X Factor, describing it as their 'downfall' (Metro, 2021)

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In one of her earliest presenting roles, Flack hosted the children's entertainment programme TMI alongside television duo Sam and Mark. On the show she is bubbly and dishes out her share of 'laddish' banter.

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Over the years, Caroline Flack's TV appearances and presenter roles have helped her become an established household name in the UK and a sought after television star. The continuousness of her cheeky and flirty persona throughout these roles has thus increased the authenticity of her star image. Flack has struggled to move away from distinctions of her private life that repeatedly slip into her professional roles as they remain at the forefront of this star image.