Zara McDermott
Zara McDermott/Instagram

Zara McDermott's first-ever Glastonbury Festival experience has been making headlines — but not all for the reasons she might have hoped. The former Love Island star, who attended the iconic festival alongside her boyfriend, One Direction's Louis Tomlinson, has come under fire from some fans over her choice of social media posts during the event.

Ian West/PA Photos

Zara McDermott's weekend at Worthy Farm, where she partied with Louis Tomlinson and his sister Lottie Tomlinson, sparked a wave of criticism after she shared photos and videos from the festival. Fans took issue with one particular photo of Zara sitting on the grass striking influencer-style poses.

One viewer wrote, 'This is the kind of photo influencers take at Coachella, not Glasto. Read the room, please — this is just embarrassing', while another remarked, 'This ain't Coachella', drawing a comparison to the California festival's influencer-heavy vibe. Comments like 'Why are you dressed like Louis though? Don't think I've ever seen you post in an Adidas tracksuit. We know he lives in them', highlighted how some felt the post didn't fit the spirit of Glastonbury.

Zara McDermott
Zara McDermott/Instagram
Zara McDermott
Zara McDermott/Instagram

Despite the backlash, many fans rallied to Zara McDermott's defence. One supporter wrote, 'I've rarely seen such nasty comments for free. I hope you have fun, Zara — take care of yourself.' Another added, 'Zara, don't take these comments seriously. They are all frustrated in life! You are a beautiful and admirable woman, and you deserve the best.'

Zara McDermott
Zara McDermott/Instagram
Zara McDermott
Zara McDermott/Instagram

While Zara McDermott shared plenty on social media, she and Louis Tomlinson have been careful not to reveal too much about their romance online. The pair avoided posting photos together at Glastonbury and even camped separately — Zara stayed off-site, while Louis stayed on-site with friends, reportedly even having a tent dedicated solely to alcohol. Sources revealed that Louis enjoyed dancing to The Prodigy at the Other Stage, with Zara joining him before the two left hand in hand. Meanwhile, Zara's social media posts featured more moments with Louis' sister Lottie Tomlinson and her fiancé Lewis Burton, who also attended Glastonbury.

Zara McDermott
Zara McDermott/Instagram

The relationship between Zara McDermott and Louis Tomlinson appears to have the support of his close-knit family. Lottie Tomlinson shared multiple snaps from Glastonbury, including warm moments with Zara, who was seen hugging and dancing alongside her boyfriend's sister. Fans expressed excitement at the apparent friendship blossoming between Zara and Lottie, with comments flooding in such as 'You and Zara are my favourite duo!' and 'Nice when your siblings and partners get along so well.'

Zara, 28, and Louis, 33, have been dating since March, just months after her split from Made in Chelsea star Sam Thompson.

SOPA Images via ZUMA Press Wire
SOPA Images via ZUMA Press Wire

The couple have been seen travelling together, enjoying holidays in Costa Rica and Los Angeles, and now making public appearances with the Tomlinson family's blessing. Zara kicked off the festival by giving a talk for Refuge, further highlighting her commitment to causes beyond the social scene. Her presence at Glastonbury combined partying with meaningful engagement, painting a picture of a young couple balancing public life with personal growth.

Zara McDermott
Zara McDermott/Instagram
OLIVIER BORDE / BESTIMAGE

Zara McDermott's Glastonbury experience highlights the challenges public figures face when their personal moments become public property. While some fans criticised her for seemingly out-of-place influencer behaviour at the festival, others defended her right to enjoy her first Glasto and support her relationship on her own terms. As Zara and Louis Tomlinson continue to navigate their romance under the media spotlight, it is clear that family support and genuine connections remain central to their story — even if the occasional social media storm follows.