Caroline Flack.Photo: Mike Marsland/WireImage
Many celebrities and members ofCaroline Flack’sLove Islandfamilyare mourning the death of the late television host.
“We can confirm that our Caroline passed away today on the 15th February,” read a family statement given to the U.K.’s Press Association. “We would ask that the press both respect the privacy of the family at this difficult time.”
“I am utterly devastated at Caroline’s passing and cannot comment further about matters, including the criminal proceedings, at the moment. My thoughts are with Caroline’s family as we respect their privacy at this very sad and difficult time,“ Flack’s lawyer, Paul Morris, said in a statement to PEOPLE.
The formerLove Islandhost, whostepped downfrom the popular U.K. series after she wascharged with assaultin December 2019, which shepled not guilty to, was found dead at her apartment on Saturday, according toThe Sunand theDaily Mail.
“Rest In Peace Caroline Flack. This is f— horrendous,” she added.
Musician James Blake, who is dating actress Jamil, added: “This is the effect of online and print bullying. This is what dehumanizing and hounding people leads to. As a society we need to find our compassion and empathy. We don’t know what other people are going through as they almost always present an ‘ok’ front.”
Many formerLove Islandcontestants also honored their friend.
“I’m utterly shocked and heartbroken. Caroline you were such a special woman.Your huge smile will stay with me forever… Rest in peace,” saidLove Islandseason 5 winner Molly-Mae Hague, alongside a video that showed Flack comforting the contestant.
Season 4’s Ellie Brown added: “My heart is breaking… I’m so sorry for what you had to go through these past few months, nobody deserves this. Thank you for one of the best experiences of my life. Rest in peace.”
“You supported me always, you were so kind to me & my family, I will never forget that. I spoke to you, and gave my support during the recent media intrusion. The media & trolls are killing people. Please THINK before you speak,” wrote fellow season 2 alum Zara Holland.
“Today my friend wandered into heaven. I bet it was in slow motion and sassy as f—. Love you x,” addedlongtime announcer Ian Stirling.
A spokesman for Flack addressed the news in a statement to the BBC at the time: “We confirm that police attended Caroline’s home following a private domestic incident. She is co-operating with the appropriate people to resolve matters. We will not be making any further comment for legal reasons.”
David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images
In a December court appearance, Flackpled not guiltyto the charge of assaulting her boyfriend, former professional tennis player and model Lewis Burton, CNN reported at the time via the PA news agency.
Flack was released on bail with conditions that prevent her from having contact with Burton ahead of the March 4 trial, according to the reports.
Flack went on to address the court appearance on her Instagram Story, writing, “Thankfully I know a lot of you will not believe all that you have heard and read following today’s court hearing…Thank you for your continued support and love…It’s going to be a relief when I am able to give my side of the story, when I’m allowed to x.”
Burton, 27, also spoke out on his Instagram Story, denying that Flack had hit him. “What I witnessed today was horrible,” he wrote. “She did not hit me with a lamp…Arguments do happen every day in every relationship. Gutted I am not allowed to protect her right now.”
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 or go tosuicidepreventionlifeline.org.
source: people.com
