LONDON — Caroline Flack, the beloved host of the U.K. version of Love Island, was found dead in her east London apartment on February 15, 2020, at the age of 40. Authorities confirmed her death as a suicide by hanging, a tragic end that followed months of intense public scrutiny and legal troubles stemming from an assault charge against her boyfriend, Lewis Burton. The case drew widespread media attention, highlighting the pressures faced by celebrities in the spotlight, and has since sparked discussions about mental health, media ethics, and the role of prosecutors in high-profile cases.
Flack's death came just weeks before she was set to stand trial on March 4, 2020, for the assault charge filed in December 2019. According to the coroner's inquest held in August 2020, the decision to prosecute her despite initial reluctance from authorities played a significant role in her distress. Coroner Mary Hassell, who oversaw the two-day inquest, stated that Flack had pleaded not guilty but learned definitively that the case would proceed, leading to overwhelming fear of the impending media frenzy.
“I find the reason for her taking her life was she now knew she was being prosecuted for certainty, and she knew she would face the media, press, publicity — it would all come down upon her,” Hassell said during the inquest. She added, “Her trauma was played out in the national press and that was incredibly distressing for her.”
The incident that led to the charges occurred in the early hours of December 12, 2019, at Flack's home in Islington, north London. Reports indicate that Flack confronted Burton after discovering a message from another woman on his phone. The confrontation escalated, and Flack allegedly struck Burton with a phone, causing a minor head injury. Burton, a former professional tennis player and model, called the police during the altercation.
Initially, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) decided not to press charges, citing that “the injured party does not support the allegation.” However, the Metropolitan Police appealed this decision, arguing that it was in the public interest to proceed. This reversal meant Flack was formally charged with assault by beating, a charge she denied in court on December 23, 2019. She was released on bail with conditions that prohibited her from contacting Burton.
Flack's family and supporters have since criticized the handling of the case. In the Hulu docuseries Caroline Flack: Search for the Truth, which premiered recently and streams now, her mother, Christine Flack, delves into the events leading up to her daughter's death. Christine Flack told the inquest that her daughter felt unfairly targeted due to her celebrity status.
“No real evidence was put forward. If it was an ordinary person, you wouldn’t have been bothered. You should be disgusted with yourself. That girl killed herself because you put an appeal through,” Christine Flack said, addressing the authorities during the August 2020 proceedings.
Burton, who was 27 at the time, also provided testimony at the inquest. He described Flack as being “not in a good place” during their last encounter, emphasizing the toll of relentless media coverage. “The media were constantly bashing her character” and “writing hurtful stories” about her, Burton told the court. Despite the no-contact order, the couple reportedly remained in touch indirectly, and Burton publicly expressed his grief after her death, posting on social media that he was “heartbroken.”
Flack's career had been a whirlwind of success and scrutiny. She rose to fame in the early 2000s, hosting shows like I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! NOW! and winning Strictly Come Dancing in 2014. Her role on Love Island from 2015 to 2019 made her a household name, but it also exposed her to intense public judgment. Friends and colleagues have spoken about her vibrant personality contrasted with private struggles, including previous mental health issues.
The docuseries reveals new details about the night of the incident, including how Flack's confrontation with Burton stemmed from jealousy over the phone message. It also examines the broader pressures she faced, such as the constant tabloid coverage of her relationships. Flack had been open about her battles with anxiety and depression in the past, and the assault charge amplified these challenges.
Public reaction to Flack's death was immediate and profound. Fans and celebrities alike mourned her loss, with many calling for kinder media practices. The #BeKind campaign, inspired by Flack's own social media post urging compassion, gained traction worldwide. ITV, the network behind Love Island, paused the show temporarily and later dedicated episodes to her memory. Laura Whitmore, who took over as host, spoke emotionally about the impact of Flack's death on the industry.
Critics of the CPS's decision argue that the prosecution was overly aggressive, especially since Burton did not support the charges. Christine Flack has been vocal in her belief that the authorities “seriously let down” her daughter, pointing to what she sees as a double standard for public figures. The Metropolitan Police, however, maintained that the appeal was justified based on evidence, including photos of Burton's injury and the nature of the domestic incident.
The inquest also touched on Flack's mental state in the days leading up to her death. On February 14, 2020, she reportedly learned that the trial would definitely go ahead, exacerbating her anxiety. Friends said she felt trapped by the prospect of further public humiliation. Hassell noted in her ruling that while the prosecution was a key factor, Flack's overall distress from media pressure contributed significantly.
Beyond the personal tragedy, Flack's story has prompted broader conversations about mental health support for those in the public eye. Organizations like the Samaritans in the U.K. reported increased calls following her death, and there have been calls for reforms in how domestic violence cases are handled when victims recant. The docuseries aims to uncover “the truth about her daughter’s final months,” as described by Hulu, including interviews with those close to Flack and examinations of systemic issues.
As investigations conclude and the docuseries brings new light, questions linger about accountability. Christine Flack continues to advocate for changes, hoping her daughter's story prevents similar tragedies. For now, Flack is remembered not just for her on-screen charisma but for the vulnerabilities that her death exposed in an unforgiving industry. Resources like the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or 988 remain crucial for those in crisis, underscoring the ongoing need for awareness and support.