ITV/Composite: EI Share By Sophie Dainty Aug 21 2025 By Sophie Dainty Aug 21 2025 Emmerdale hit with 'hundreds' of Ofcom complaints for Vinny attack Viewers were horrified by the disturbing scenes Vinny Dingle Share By Sophie Dainty Aug 21 2025 By Sophie Dainty Aug 21 2025 Emmerdale has been hit with hundreds of Ofcom complaints over Vinny Dingle’s attack earlier this month. In an episode airing on August 12, Vinny was brutally targeted by newcomer Mike in a shocking, homophobic attack. Prior to this, Vinny realised that Mike, a man who he met on an online support forum, actually had an ulterior motive for befriending him in the first place. Vinny struggles after the attack (Credit: ITV) Vinny’s attack Viewers will know that Vinny has been confused about his sexuality, hiding his feelings from fiancée Gabby Thomas. Desperate to find some support, Vinny went online and befriended a man called Mike. When Mike later turned up in the village, Vinny found himself opening up to him over his sexuality confusion. However, it soon became clear that Mike was not who he said he was – and this was actually all part of shocking money scam. article continues below Read all the latest spoilers Mike then physically attacked Vinny and hurled abuse at him over his sexuality. Mike also forced Vinny to transfer £10k to his account, threatening him with a recording of their earlier conversation if he didn’t. And if that wasn’t bad enough, Mike also stole Vinny and Gabby’s wedding rings, before leaving. Afterwards, poor Vinny was faced with flashbacks of the abuse he suffered from his father Paul. Sinister Mike left Vinny a wreck (Credit: ITV) Ofcom complaints over Vinny’s attack Fans were left horrified by Vinny’s attack, which aired on ITV before the 9pm watershed, and complained to Ofcom. The television regulator has now confirmed that around 279 complaints were made about the scenes. A spokesperson from Ofcom said: “Complaints objected to violent and sexual content before the watershed.” Ofcom makes sure TV and radio content is fair, accurate, and safe for viewers and listeners. Mike played Vinny a recording of his confession (Credit: ITV) Emmerdale viewers slam ‘depravity’ of Vinny attack Taking to X and Reddit, Emmerdale fans aired their reactions to Vinny’s horrific attack at the time. “I had to fire a complaint to Ofcom”, one said. “I am disgusted with how what used to be a family show has morphed into something that seems to be trying to show as much violence and depravity as it can squeeze into each episode.” Another added: “This storyline and episode is disgusting. Vinny reaches out to a support group and gets a homophobe and a blackmailer. Not the time-slot to air all of this…” “Found it really disturbing tonight”, another said. A fourth penned: “Didn’t like tonight’s episode I went into another room.” Read more: 4 Emmerdale spoilers for tonight: Aaron and John prepare to leave but it looks like Mack’s farewell too Share Good to Know Share By Sophie Dainty Aug 21 2025 By Sophie Dainty Aug 21 2025
Ofcom makes sure TV and radio content is fair, accurate, and safe for viewers and listeners. Mike played Vinny a recording of his confession (Credit: ITV) Emmerdale viewers slam ‘depravity’ of Vinny attack Taking to X and Reddit, Emmerdale fans aired their reactions to Vinny’s horrific attack at the time. “I had to fire a complaint to Ofcom”, one said. “I am disgusted with how what used to be a family show has morphed into something that seems to be trying to show as much violence and depravity as it can squeeze into each episode.” Another added: “This storyline and episode is disgusting. Vinny reaches out to a support group and gets a homophobe and a blackmailer. Not the time-slot to air all of this…”
