Gabriel Garland has spoken publicly for the first time following his unexpected departure from Love Island, addressing the circumstances that led to him being removed from the villa during this year's Casa Amor twist.

The 24-year-old model was quietly removed from the ITV dating show after producers became aware that he had been named in court documents relating to a fatal stabbing that took place at a New Year's Eve party in south east London in 2019. Although Garland was present at the gathering, he was never charged with any offence, does not have a criminal record and says a judge found no wrongdoing on his part. ITV confirmed his departure shortly after news of his connection to the case emerged, although the broadcaster declined to comment further, citing its duty of care towards those involved.

Addressing the situation directly in a video shared on social media, Garland acknowledged the seriousness of the incident while making it clear that he was not found to have committed any crime.

He said:

"There was an incident that happened at a party I was at when I was a teenager. This incident is obviously one that should not be taken lightly and was very traumatic for everyone concerned."

He went on to reassure supporters by adding:

"I just wanted to make it clear, the legal judge found no wrongdoing against me and I don't have a criminal record."

Garland also spoke about the emotional impact of leaving the programme so suddenly, admitting he had been excited about the opportunity and felt his experience had been cut short before viewers had the chance to get to know him properly.

He said:

"This has resulted in me leaving Love Island, which is very disappointing."

The contestant also revealed there was more happening behind the scenes than viewers were able to see, explaining that he had already begun forming a romantic connection before his exit.

He added:

"I was also forming a really strong connection in there which you guys didn't get to see, which is sad. But I wanted to tell you this directly."

Garland's removal came just days after entering the villa as one of the Casa Amor bombshells. His exit meant only five of the six male Casa Amor contestants remained on the programme, with viewers initially receiving no explanation for his disappearance before ITV later confirmed he had left the show.

His statement has since sparked widespread debate online, with many questioning whether it was fair for him to leave the programme given that he was never convicted of any offence. Others argued that ITV had little choice but to act once the reports became public, regardless of the legal outcome.

One person commented:

"That's sad, especially if he wasn't convicted. He may even be unemployed now. All because of going into Love Island."

Another wrote:

"He will be okay, there's plenty of other reality TV shows that will want him!"

Another commented:

"Unfortunately it is guilty but association…I hope it doesn't affect his future."

Garland ended his statement by thanking those who had supported him since leaving the villa. While his time on Love Island was unexpectedly cut short, he has now made his position clear, insisting he was found to have done nothing wrong. Even so, his departure has raised fresh questions about contestant vetting, safeguarding and how reality shows respond when historic legal matters resurface after filming has already begun.