Former star Whitney Adebayo recently after her appearance on The Sidemen's reality series . Whitney didn't hold back as she responded to the "evil, hatred and pure racism" she received from viewers, and unfortunately, her experience proves that the reality TV landscape, for Black women in particular, hasn't changed.

Whitney isn't the first Black woman to be faced with racism after a TV appearance. YouTuber and presenter , fellow Love Island alum Kaz Kwami and broadcaster and panellist have all received online abuse in the form of rampant racism flung into their direct messages.

A range of factors, like editing and plotlines, can lead to increased criticism when you're thrown into the spotlight - after all, you can't please everyone - but the level of backlash reported has gone far beyond criticism, a thin line the British public so often cross.

In her post, Whitney acknowledges this, writing: "I’ve received a mix of reactions - some positive, some negative. But what I’ve encountered more than anything is the reality of racism. I understand that being in the spotlight briny criticism, but what I’ve experienced the past few days goes beyond criticism."

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"This evil, hatred and pure racism and should not be tolerated. The hateful messages, the death threats, and the unjust treatment I’ve received are not only hurtful, but they also serve as a reminder that racism is still very much embedded in British culture," she continued. "This isn’t just about a TV show; it’s about the way society can sometimes respond to women like me, women who may stand out or don’t fit a certain mould of being cute and mute. For those of you who have supported me, thank you.

"Your love and encouragement keep me grounded. To those who have tried to tear me down, I want to remind you: your hate doesn’t define me. It only fuels my determination to grow and to be unapologetically myself. I had the best time, however my journey has come to an end. Love me or hate me, either way I know you were entertained. You’re welcome x."

Just two years earlier, Loose Women panellist who slammed 's appearance in ITV's ... Get Me Out Of Here. She wrote in her OK! column at the time: "The controversy around Nella Rose has been difficult, and it's painful to read the disgusting racist and body-shaming comments online. It's crazy that people forget she's a young woman immersed in one of the biggest reality celebrity shows in the UK."

Then Kaz Kwami, who appeared on Love Island in 2021, revealed that she was also . Her family, who looked after her social media accounts while she was in the villa, shared a statement at the time, writing: "We understand that a lot of you love watching the show and that people will have differing opinions. However, this does not excuse the vulgar racist abuse we have been receiving on her account!"

Worryingly, these are just three examples of many. It seems some viewers struggle with facing the consequences that come from sending hate while hiding behind an online account, and that their messages are read by a living, breathing person and can leave a lasting impact. Have we learned nothing from the era of #BeKind or is that mercy not extended to Black celebrities?

Whitney's statement, and the others sent by Black women who have spoken out against racist hate, proves their bravery, but arguably, it shouldn't be necessary. When will Black women be able to exist without the need to be 'strong' or 'brave' in these spaces?

Needless to say, Black women should be able to thrive in this industry and be treated with the same respect as their white counterparts, treatment that I thought was obvious if not expected, but clearly not.