'He is NOT my sugar daddy!' Love Island's Erin Barnett defends relationship

Love Island Australia star Erin Barnett was relentlessly trolled earlier this month, after she flaunted her romance with a much older man.

And the 24-year-old nurse hit back at her critics on Monday, telling them that Mick Russell is most certainly not her 'sugar daddy'.

In a lengthy Instagram post, Erin addressed speculation about Mick's age by revealing how old he really is, and also denied false and hurtful rumours about their relationship.

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'He is NOT my sugar daddy!' Love Island Australia's Erin Barnett (left) has defended her relationship with her much older boyfriend Mick Russell (right)

'He is NOT my sugar daddy!' Love Island Australia's Erin Barnett (left) has defended her relationship with her much older boyfriend Mick Russell (right)

'I probably shouldn't even do this, but I feel the "need" to,' Erin began.

'I've just been reading some articles about my relationship with Mick. I really shouldn't have kept scrolling through the articles and comments, but hey, it's the Internet, right? Yes, I am dating an older man. No, he isn't my "sugar daddy".

'Just a little FYI - [the] definition of a sugar daddy [is]: "a rich older man who lavishes gifts on a young woman in return for her company or sexual favours".

'I have my own money, I don't need any man, at whatever age, giving me any gifts or their money. I buy myself better gifts than anyone can.' 

Clarification! In an Instagram post, Erin addressed speculation about Mick's age by revealing how old he really is, and also denied false and hurtful rumours about their relationship

Clarification! In an Instagram post, Erin addressed speculation about Mick's age by revealing how old he really is, and also denied false and hurtful rumours about their relationship

Erin continued: 'I don't have "daddy issues", as I have a fantastic relationship with my dad. He's an amazing man and has always been by my side through everything.'

She explained that 'meeting Mick has been a blessing' after a string of toxic relationships, adding: 'I am so lucky to be with a man who treats me with respect and makes me truly happy every single day.' 

In a heartbreaking twist, Erin then revealed that 'it's also a blessing' Mick has children from a previous relationship because she 'cannot have kids ever' due to her medical issues. 

Statement: Erin strenuously denied Mick is her 'sugar daddy'. She also said that it's a 'blessing' to date an older man who already has children because she cannot have kids of her own

Statement: Erin strenuously

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