BARROW-BORN Love Island star Jacques O'Neill has issued an apology after being involved in a bullying row with fellow contestants Tasha Ghouri and Remi Lambert.

Love Island bosses have this week denied that Jacques, 23, was booted out of the villa for mocking Tasha, who was born profoundly deaf.

He has also been called a "bully" by Remi, and that he spoiled his time in the villa.

READ MORE: Jacques 'radiates bully energy' as viral video surfaces

A clip also emerged that appeared to show the former Dowdales pupil mocking Tasha as he watched the final from home.

In a statement posted on his Instagram story, rugby player Jacques said:

"I just want to acknowledge the situation that's happening right now and apologise if my behaviour has caused offence or been misinterpreted over the last few weeks.

"I genuinely have no bad feelings towards anyone and I've not meant for anything to come across that way at all.

"It was not my intention and I'm genuinely sorry if it has.

"Life has been very overwhelming recently and admittedly I've probably not handled myself in the best possible way. 

"I take full responsibility for my actions.

"I'm aware that I'm far from perfect and that there is work that needs to be done on myself."

Jacques said he has now begun therapy as he wrote: "I had my first therapy session on Monday which really took me out of my comfort zone, I know I have needed this for years but it's only now I have decided to get help. I know it's a step in the right direction for me even after just one session.

"I'm not asking for sympathy, I just want to acknowledge the situation and move forward as positively as I can. However, I know this can be used as an important lesson for me moving forward and over the coming years."I hope I can become the person I want to be and use this new platform to spread a positive message." He then ended his message with: "I'm sorry to anyone that I have let down X".