From Love Island Triumph to Celebrity Big Brother: Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu’s Struggle Against Misogyny and Identity

In the aftermath of her triumphant win alongside Davide “Liar, Actress” Sanclimenti in Love Island’s eighth season, Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu emerged as a captivating figure in the realm of reality television. Mentioned in the same breath as breakout stars such as Molly-Mae Hague, Maura Higgins, and Indiyah Polack, she left an indelible mark on fans during the summer of 2022. From stealing kisses on the terrace to delivering empowering speeches, Ekin-Su became synonymous with some of the season’s most memorable moments.

Since her Love Island success, Ekin-Su has graced multiple TV screens, with her current stint in the Celebrity Big Brother house garnering significant attention. However, her journey this time around has taken a somewhat disappointing turn.

Despite her previous acclaim and widespread admiration, Ekin-Su has found herself subjected to certain narratives, a plight not uncommon for women in the public eye. Throughout her time on Love Island, she faced misogynistic critiques, particularly regarding her interactions with male contestants – criticisms that seemed to ignore the nature of the reality dating show.

Her appearance on Dancing on Ice also courted controversy, with some viewers taking issue with her choice of attire and choreography, perpetuating tired tropes surrounding femininity and sexuality.

Yet, the most disheartening aspect of Ekin-Su’s recent trajectory is her apparent reinforcement of patriarchal standards, a stark departure from the empowerment she once embodied. While in the Celebrity Big Brother house, she has repeatedly distanced herself from the notion of joining platforms like OnlyFans, proclaiming her refusal to compromise her “pride” for financial gain.

However, her vehement rejection of such platforms has bordered on judgmental, with Ekin-Su seemingly unwilling to entertain the idea that other women may choose to engage in such ventures for various reasons. This stance not only perpetuates harmful stereotypes but also undermines the agency of women who make different choices.

It’s disheartening to witness Ekin-Su adopt this stance, especially considering her own experiences with public shaming and scrutiny. While she may seek to reclaim her narrative and assert her autonomy, there are more constructive ways to do so that don’t involve denigrating others.

Furthermore, Ekin-Su’s assertion that her lack of lingerie or bikini photos on Instagram holds significance implies a troubling association between a person’s worth and their outward appearance. Such assumptions only serve to perpetuate damaging societal norms and reinforce harmful standards of beauty.

In navigating her journey from reality TV star to public figure, Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu faces the challenge of reconciling her own experiences with societal expectations and norms. While her journey may be complex and fraught with challenges, there is hope that she will find a path that empowers both herself and others, free from judgment and prejudice.