Love Island's Megan Barton-Hanson has opened up about the sexism she faced as a contestant on the show. The 24-year-old, who found love with Wes Nelson whilst in the villa, has revealed in an interview withGraziamagazine that she feels she was treated much harsher for her actions on the show than her fellow Islander Adam Collard, who also swapped partners.
Appearing on the front cover of this week's Grazia, former glamour model Megan called out the "vilification of women in the media."
"People definitely do give girls a harder time than men," she affirmed. "Look at Adam, how many girls did he go through? It’s sexist.
"They’re painting me out to be the biggest player, but it’s a dating show and I tested the water. It’s 2018, and women are still getting stick for acting like men, I don’t see why we’re not equal."
Megan even cited the fact that she had sex on the show, saying that she shouldn't be criticised: "Even with the fact that I had sex in the villa, I’m open about that. Women enjoy sex just as much as men. Like, why can’t we say it? We should empower each other."
Which Love Island couples are still together?
Which Love Island couples are still together? (RADIO - SLIDER)
1 of 8Series Two: Nathan Massey and Cara de la Hoyde
The couple later welcomed a baby boy called Freddie in December 2016. Sharing the happy news on social media, Nathan wrote, 'The day has finally come !!!! Myself and @cara_delahoyde have become parents to our beautiful baby boy !!! Massive hats off to Cara Who delivered our boy safely !!!!! #thenextchapter ud83dudc99ud83dudc76ud83cudffc[sic]
2 of 8Series Two: Nathan Massey and Cara de la Hoyde
Nathan Massey and Cara de la Hoyde are the only Love Island winners to have remained together!Despite splitting for a number of months in 2017, the couple rekindled their romance when Cara discovered she was expecting the couple's first child.
3 of 8Series Two: Olivia Buckland and Alex Bowen
It took her a while, but Olivia Buckland finally found her man during Love Island season 2. After leaving the villa together when they finished in second place behind Cara and Nathan, the couple haven't looked back!
4 of 8Series Two: Olivia Buckland and Alex Bowen
Just a few months after leaving the famous villa, Alex popped the question to Olivia during a romantic trip to New York. The couple are now planning their wedding! ud83dudc70
5 of 8Series Three: Dom Lever and Jess Shears
Despite the public thinking their relationship was just a 'joke', Jess Shears and Dom Lever have defied the odds and are one of the two couples still together from last year's Love Island. Despite all of the drama with Jess and 'Muggy Mike', Dom proposed to his girlfriend in September 2016.
6 of 8Series Three: Dom Lever and Jess Shears
The couple have cashed in on promotional shoots together, appearances, and even got 'married' on Good Morning Britain on Valentine's Day. Despite the 'fake wedding', Jess and Dom are set to be planning their real wedding for later this year!
7 of 8Series Three: Jamie Jewitt and Camilla Thurlow
The nation fell in love with Prince Harry's ex-girlfriend Camilla Thurlow in 2017. And after she had her heartbroken by a number of different men in the villa, model Jamie Jewitt arrived and swept Camilla off her feet.After enjoying time together outside of the show and meeting each other's families, the couple are living happily ever after.
8 of 8Series Three: Jamie Jewitt and Camilla Thurlow
The loved up couple have since traveled the world together on charity missions... can they get any better?!
Megan also spoke out about her insecurities and being a shy person, despite having previously worked as a stripper. "People don’t understand how could you possibly be shy and insecure but comfortable being naked," she said.
"To go up and speak in front of people, that would be my absolute worst nightmare. But to go and parade around half-naked, I’d be absolutely fine. You can be shy in different ways."
The latest issue of Grazia is out now, head to graziadaily.co.uk to read the Megan Barton-Hanson interview.
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