Reality Star's Friend Threatens Lawsuit Over 'Love Island' Spinoff Drama

A woman described as a close friend and "sister" to reality TV star Tom Barzilay is threatening a multi-million shekel lawsuit against several parties, including Channel 13, the production company of the show "Ahavah Hadasha" (New Love), former contestant Yuval Buchan, and various media outlets. The woman, who remained silent for six months after the controversy erupted, has sent stern warning letters demanding hundreds of thousands of shekels from each defendant, with the total claims estimated to be in the millions.

Buchan's legal representative, Taliya Shahar, stated that her client "completely rejects the claims made in the warning letter." Shahar asserted that Buchan "shared her personal and true experience as she experienced it," denying any defamation and calling the compensation demands "absurd." Channel 13 declined to comment.

Buchan and Barzilay gained fame on "Ahavah Hadasha," where they presented a photogenic relationship. However, shortly after filming concluded, they broke up. The drama intensified when they revealed the breakup stemmed from a dispute involving the "mysterious and close figure" who allegedly did not approve of their relationship, leading to conflicting and angry accounts online.

Barzilay initially defended the woman, posting on Instagram that she was his "sister" and that the dispute was between the two women. He expressed disappointment that Buchan had made the argument public. Buchan countered, denying any blood relation and promising to clarify the situation soon. Buchan's brother, Ilai, also joined the fray, accusing Barzilay of lying on social media.