Love Island USA Cast Excluded from Villa Pre-Premiere
The cast of Love Island USA has faced dismissal from the villa once again, this time prior to the premiere of its latest season.
Following the announcement of the Season 8 cast on Thursday, online fans began scrutinizing the contestants’ backgrounds. Soon, videos surfaced featuring contestant Vasana Montgomery allegedly using a racial slur on camera—first while singing and then during a heated moment at an arcade game.
By Friday, just days before the season was set to air, Montgomery was removed from the cast. She did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding her exclusion.
Peacock confirmed to NBC News that Montgomery would no longer participate in the show. The streaming service stated that the videos had not come to light until after the cast announcement. (Peacock is owned by NBCUniversal, the parent company of NBC News.)
Each season of Love Island USA tracks a group of singles over six weeks as they strive to form romantic connections while navigating challenges and surprises introduced by producers. New contestants—referred to as “bombs”—add another layer of intensity to the competition.
This American adaptation of the British original is filmed in real time and airs six nights a week. While it maintained a niche audience for several seasons, it skyrocketed in popularity in 2024. Last year, Season 7 became the most-watched original in Peacock’s history, amassing over 18 billion minutes of viewing time.
Yet, with this newfound attention came increased scrutiny from viewers, known for their ferocity and loyalty. Fans quickly began analyzing contestants’ behavior, looks, and political views, which resulted in heightened online harassment. Although the islanders are isolated from social media during filming, they often face a wave of public backlash upon their return.
Despite these efforts, reactions on social media indicated that the call for a more civil discourse had not been heeded. On Instagram, the most-liked comment in response suggested that the cast must be unattractive, while others poked fun at the show’s desire to curb negative discussions.
Montgomery’s swift removal from the villa exemplifies the mounting pressures placed on the production to address past controversies. Last season, contestant Yulissa Escobar was dismissed after a video of her using a racial slur circulated, and Sierra Ortega faced significant backlash after old social media posts resurfaced, revealing racist comments.
As of Sunday, the show had not publicly commented on Montgomery’s exit or named a replacement contestant for the upcoming Season 8.
