Married At First Sight favourite Lucinda Light had some fans turn against her on Sunday when she shared a ‘divisive’ post about the Gaza–Israel conflict.
The reality TV star, 43, shared a very controversial image to Instagram which depicted a man of Muslim faith and a man of Jewish faith sharing a passionate kiss.
After facing immediate and brutal backlash over her ‘poetic sentiment about ceasefire and one love’, the wedding celebrant quickly deleted the image, only to double down and repost it later alongside an ‘apology’.
‘Yesterday, I shared this image along with a poetic sentiment about ceasefire and one love,’ she began her lengthy message.
‘However, I decided to take the post down after receiving mixed reactions, including some who were offended by my ignorance and found the picture inappropriate.’
She continued: ‘I want to apologize for any hurt caused. You’re right—what do I know? My intention was to promote peace, acceptance, and make a statement around unity, but I understand that achieving this is complex.’
‘What saddens me most (apart from innocent people dying!) is the pervasive division among us.
‘My post, though well-meaning, unfortunately contributed to the very division and negativity I abhor.
‘I recognize now that my platform carries significant responsibility, and I aim to use it to create positive ripples of change, not frustration or further division.’
As for the image which caused such ‘division’ among her fans in the first place, Lucinda said she ‘still loves’ the picture, and has decided to keep it posted on her Instagram page.
‘I still love the image I posted, and I acknowledge that I will make mistakes along this journey,’ she said.
‘Thank you for holding space for me as I learn and grow. Moving forward, I will be more thoughtful and considerate in my actions. Peace.’
Despite Lucinda’s apology, the backlash continued beneath her new post, with some saying the image she shared completely missed the mark and is offensive to the Muslim and Jewish communities.
One person said: ‘Any other image would have promoted your voice yet this has caused more of divide. This isn’t about homosexuality this is about our children and mothers, brothers and sisters being murdered by white supremacy.’
Someone else wrote: ‘Sorry Lucinda I do love you but this is beyond inappropriate and signifies nothing to do with the genocide that Israel is responsible for. You want to show a photo to symbolise the horror going on in Palestine, plenty of videos and images of innocent women and children, all people dying. This is just insulting to the Palestinians.’
Another added: ‘Best to stay out of conflicts that you haven’t researched thoroughly. I think this image would be offensive on both sides of the fence, but more acceptable on one. But you are also putting two religions who are not accepting of homosexuality as well out there. Tbh this image is poorly thought through by someone who has no idea what they are supporting. This just shows your ignorance. I think your heart is in the right place but maybe this should be something you stay away from. It’s absolutely a cause for division and more hatred.’
One user agreed with them, writing: ‘I’m sure she meant well but reality TV stars are not really best placed to make these bold statements. I hope this very nice well meaning lady will take this on board and stay away from politics and war.’
While some fans turned on Lucinda, many fans came to her rescue to praise the former reality TV bride for her ‘apology’.
Fellow MAFS favourite Lauren Dunn wrote: ‘I love this image and I love your kind, inclusive soul, for every human.’
Another follower said: ‘Love you Lu. I know your heart and it’s always coming from the deepest place and care and compassion and love for all sentient beings. Thanks for trying.’
‘Nobody in the history of reality TV deserves a platform as much as somebody as incredible and compassionate as you Lucinda,’ a third added.
Yet another commented: ‘Your post was inspiring provocative and well intended. The people who got offended need to do some deep seated shadow work within themselves. I was a refugee child of war and can speak from personal experience. The world needs COMPASSION but it also needs ACCOUNTABILITY. Keep speaking from your heart. It’s your greatest power.’
The backlash comes ahead of Lucinda’s upcoming 10-day speaking tour across the UK which completely sold out in a matter of days.
Lucinda will travel to eight UK cities, starting in Birmingham on August 5 before wrapping up in Bath on August 15.
She will hit cities including Cardiff, Manchester, London, Brighton and Cambridge along the way on her jam-packed touring schedule.
At the shows, Lucinda – who rose to fame on MAFS’ 2024 series – will share her expertise in emotional intelligence and participate in fan Q&A sessions.