Inside Love Island Star Zara Holland's Alleged Arrest
When contestants sign up for Love Island, they can expect loads of drama that would come from any reality television show that sticks a bunch of good-looking 20-somethings together in a confined space. However, for some, the drama follows them off the island, and in Zara Holland's case, to another one.
Zara competed on UK's Love Island in 2016, but years later, the boutique owner is making headlines for something much more serious than any love troubles she might have faced while on the show. The Sun reported on Dec. 31, 2020 that Zara was arrested for "trying to flee" Barbados with her boyfriend Elliott Love after he tested positive for COVID-19.
The couple completed a routine coronavirus test upon entering Barbados and were asked to stay in their hotel room at the Sugar Bay resort as they awaited results. Once her boyfriend tested positive for COVID-19, they were both given red wristbands to wear and were subsequently scheduled to check-in to a quarantine center at Paragon Military Base.
However, the couple allegedly tried to sidestep their quarantine and return to England, which got them into waves much deeper than the beautiful Caribbean waters they hoped to relax in at their resort. Let's take a closer look at Love Island star Zara Holland's alleged arrest.
Zara Holland reportedly pleaded guilty to breaking her coronavirus quarantine
It is unclear if Zara Holland and Elliott Love were formally arrested when they were caught violating their mandatory quarantine, per E! News. However, the outlet was able to confirm that Zara was released to her hotel on Jan. 1, 2021 following two negative coronavirus tests, while Elliott remained at the military base.
Zara pleaded guilty to the breach of quarantine and agreed to pay a $12,000 fine within seven days, according to The Sun. If she fails to pay up, she must report to prison for a nine-month stay. While Zara has not personally addressed the situation, a representative of Zara's family released a statement on her behalf following the scandal. "I firstly wish to apologize to the entire country of Barbados for what has been a massive mix up and misunderstanding during my most recent stay," Zara began (via E! News). "I am currently working closely with the local authorities to rectify any issues on my part and will issue an update and full statement which I think is the only right thing to do to the Government and citizens of Barbados." It is unclear at what point in the process the "misunderstanding" happened.
Zara added that she has stayed at the "lovely island in excess of 20 years" and never wants to harm the citizens of Barbados, for whom she has "nothing but love and respect." Zara previously posted a photo vacationing on the island in 2018.