Laura Whitmore criticises paparazzi photographer after Caroline Flack's death
Love Island presenter Laura Whitmore was with her boyfriend Iain Stirling for the first time since Caroline Flack's death.
Thursday 20 February 2020 23:38, UK
Laura Whitmore has criticised a paparazzi photographer after he took pictures of her while she is "mourning" the death of her friend Caroline Flack.
In a post on social media, the Love Island host, who was with her boyfriend Iain Stirling, hit out at the snapper for targeting her as she walked through an airport in Cape Town, South Africa, where the reality TV show is filmed.
was found dead in her flat in east London on Saturday. She had taken her own life aged just 40.
Stirling, who also narrates the programme, filmed the altercation with the man, which Whitmore also shared on social media.
In her post, Whitmore wrote: "I landed in Cape Town this morning and it is the first time I've been with Iain since Caroline passed away.
"It's been really hard being apart. At the airport a photographer took pictures of us both and we tried to ignore it but he continued to follow us as we got coffee and left the building.
"So I asked him would he stop as he had what he wanted. I said we were mourning a friend and could he allow us space. He said 'can you give me a reaction. It's a public place and I can take pictures if I want'."
In South Africa, it is not illegal to take photos of someone in a public place, regardless of whether they give you their permission.
Whitmore's post continued: "I have never courted the paparazzi but understand at work events it comes with the territory. But this morning was too much. Iain filmed him and he didn't like it.
"I don't like attacking people but we need to call people out when they do things like this. Iain and I just wanted some privacy."
Earlier this week, the Irish presenter attacked newspapers and Twitter trolls for invading privacy and creating clickbait.
She also said had been "harassed" for just doing her job, and said she now wants to use her platform to speak out.
Other performers, including singer Kerry Katona and actress Stephanie Davies, have also spoken out about the pressures that come with being in the public eye.
Flack's management team have also pointed the finger following the presenter's death, blaming the Crown Prosecution Service.
Money Talent Management say they caused "significant distress to Caroline" by going ahead with an assault trial despite the presenter's "very vulnerable" state.
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Whitmore is due to appear on the Love Island finale on Sunday.
Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can call Samaritans for help on 116 123 or email [email protected] in the UK. In the US, call the Samaritans branch in your area or 1 (800) 273-TALK