Love Island’s Sophie calls out Harry as she addresses his ‘bikini’ comment

Love Island’s latest season has certainly brought its share of drama, but it was Sophie Lee’s striking reaction to a controversial statement made by her fellow contestant, Harry Cooksley, that really set off a wave of discussion online.

Sophie, who was the first islander to be sent home, didn’t hold back when responding to Harry’s remark about not wanting to “rip her bikini off.” Her comeback has sparked conversations about respect, empowerment, and the pressures women face on reality dating shows.

Sophie Lee’s Response to Harry’s Bikini Comment

After her unexpected exit from the villa, Sophie found out about a private chat between Harry and Shakira Khan, where Harry said,

“Like I don’t want to rip Sophie’s bikini off, do you know what I mean?”

This comment, which was meant to express his lack of romantic interest, really struck a chord with Sophie and many viewers. In a straight-talking interview with Cosmopolitan, Sophie shared her thoughts:

“First off, I don’t need a guy to say he’s going to rip my clothes off because I can do that for someone who’s worthy of me.”

She went on to say:

“Secondly, I really can’t stand a guy who puts a girl down just to lift himself or another woman up. That’s just petty, and nobody likes a petty guy.”

Fans quickly rushed to praise Sophie for her confidence and her refusal to let his words bring her down. Social media was buzzing with support, with one user commenting,

“Say it louder for the people in the back,”

while another called Sophie “one of the most likeable, impressive Love Island contestants ever.”

Why Didn’t Sophie and Harry Click?

Sophie and Harry were initially paired up through a blind coupling, and she was drawn to his dating profile at first. However, the chemistry was missing right from the beginning. Harry soon bonded with Shakira, and during the first re-coupling ceremony, Shakira’s choice left Sophie single and ultimately led to her being sent home.

Many fans and commentators have noted that Sophie’s mature outlook and her openness about her life experiences, including surviving a fire, may have made her stand out from the usual villa vibe. Some viewers felt that Harry just wasn’t that into her, while others thought Sophie’s vulnerability might have been lost on someone who wasn’t ready for a deeper connection.

@cosmopolitanuk #loveisland’s @Sophirelee claps back at that Harry comment 👏 You tell him, queen 👑 #loveisland #CasaAmor #loveislanduk #loveislandbombshell #loveisland2025 #loveislandedit #loveislanddebrief #loveislandclips ♬ original sound – CosmopolitanUK

Sophie’s Message of Empowerment and Body Positivity

Before stepping into Love Island, Sophie described herself as the “CEO of empowerment,” aiming to promote body positivity and self-worth. She expressed her desire, saying:

“I want women to feel beautiful, validated in themselves, and confident in who they are.”

Her behavior in the villa and her strong response to Harry’s comment highlight her dedication to these ideals. Although her time on the show was short, Sophie’s journey has resonated with viewers who admire her authenticity and resilience.

Reactions from Fans and Ex-Boyfriend

Sophie’s exit also caught the attention of her ex-boyfriend, Ouzy See, who revealed he was “blindsided” by her decision to join the show. He described her as “inspirational” and mentioned that they parted on good terms.

Meanwhile, fans have continued to rally behind Sophie, with many feeling that she was simply “too mature” for the environment and deserved a platform more in line with her values and life experiences.