Love Island’s Anna Vakili denies attacking 'teenagers' in bank holiday brawl

The 29-year-old says she was subjected to ‘continuous verbal abuse’ while having a picnic in Hyde Park
Kimberley Bond26 May 2020
The Weekender

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Anna Vakili has issued a statement denying reports she was in a "physical fight" after an alleged altercation in Hyde Park.

Videos shared on Instagram and other social platforms appeared to show the 29-year-old, who starred in the fifth series of Love Island last year, involved in a fracas alongside her younger sister Mandi.

While those posting and sharing the Instagram videos accuse Anna of dragging a 'teeange' girl involved by the hair, and Mandi allegedly kicking a person involved, the pharmacist has since spoken out on social media.

Addressing her 1.2 million followers, Anna wrote: “Since coming out of Love Island it’s become my normal for people to shout abuse at me in the streets and I have learned to turn a blind eye and remove myself from the situation.

Love Island 2019 Reunion - In pictures

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“Yesterday, I was having a picnic in the park with my sister, boyfriend and cousin when we were subjected to continuous verbal abuse from a group who came near us who were doing drugs.

“Wanting to remove ourselves away from them we packed up to leave, they came over swung at my cousin and threw her by the hair leaving her bleeding.

“Out of self-defence we had to get them off of her and leave. There was a large group of them and not many of us.”

Anna wrote an emotional message on her story
Instagram: annavakili_

She also accused the group of being in possession of a gun and trying to “steal” her sister’s phone.

She continued: “I have never had a physical fight in my life!! The violent attack has been reported to the police.

“All these DMs and messages from people that weren’t even there. Why would we randomly attack anyone? Use your brains.

Anna starred in last summer's Love Island
ITV

“We were attacked verbally and physically first because they knew me. Everything we done was to protect ourselves and my cousin. Can’t even enjoy a picnic in peace. I’ve just had enough.

A representative for Anna told the Evening Standard: “Anna and Mandi Vakili and others were involved in an unprovoked violent and verbal attack on Monday in Hyde Park which include Mandi and their cousin being hit and punched and the group of attackers attempting to steal their belongings.

“The very serious matter is now being dealt with the police as they were threatened with illegal weapons during the attack.

Standard Online has contacted the Metropolitan Police for comment.

Anna has since shared another emotional post on her Instagram page, posting a picture of herself in tears at the allegations.

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“I can’t get out of bed,” she wrote. “I’m exhausted and sick of the abuse since coming off TV. And now allegations from a small clip which isn’t the full story. Witnesses saw they attacked us for no reason. Anyone else trying to enjoy themselves on a picnic and their little cousin gets attacked for NO REASON what would they do?

Anna continued: “Just because of fame you think you can tear people down. These people are winning – I hope you are all happy that they will continue to treat people this way because they can get away with it as the “victims” I don’t care about my image

“God knows the truth. The world is unfair, but God knows.”

Anna has returned to her job as a pharmacist during the coronavirus pandemic
Instagram: Anna Vakili

After enjoying a brief romance with Jordan Hames on Love Island last year, Anna has since returned to her job as a pharmacist to help fight the coronavirus crisis

Mandi has also claimed she was left with two physical injuries after the incident. Posting pictures on her Instagram story, she wrote: “This is what she did to me a second before she kicked me, and not to mention my cousin’s face was pouring with blood from her nose.

“People will do anything to villiainise us because Anna is a public figure. It’s not fair.”

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