For The Third Time in Two Seasons, ‘Love Island USA’ Faces Another Racial Slur Controversy
Love Island USA is once again facing scrutiny over a contestant’s past use of racist language, this time before the new season even makes it to air.
Vasana Montgomery, a 25 year old business owner from Oregon, has been removed from the Season 8 cast after videos allegedly showing her using the N word resurfaced online. Montgomery had been announced as part of the new cast before the videos began circulating on social media. People and Entertainment Weekly reported that she was dropped from the show days before the June 2 premiere.
Peacock has not publicly explained the full details behind Montgomery’s removal, but multiple outlets reported she will no longer appear on the upcoming season.
The videos reportedly surfaced after the Season 8 cast announcement, adding another controversy to a franchise that has already dealt with similar issues in recent months.
Third Contestant Removed Over Racial Slur Controversy
Montgomery’s exit marks the third time in less than two seasons that Love Island USA has parted ways with a contestant after past use of racial slurs came back into public view.
During Season 7, Yulissa Escobar left the series shortly after the premiere after videos surfaced showing her using the N word. Weeks later, contestant Cierra Ortega was removed after past social media posts showed her using an anti Asian racial slur. Both women later issued public apologies.
The repeat incidents have placed renewed attention on the show’s casting and vetting process. For a series built around public voting, fan engagement and round the clock social media reaction, contestants’ online histories now become part of the season before viewers even meet them in the villa.
Season 8 Cast Moves Forward Without Montgomery
With Montgomery removed, the remaining Love Island USA Season 8 cast includes Kenzie Annis, KC Chandler, Bryce Dettloff, Zach Georgiou, Aniya Harvey, Beatriz Hatz, Melanie Moreno, Sean Reifel, Sincere Rhea, Trinity Tatum and Gabriel Vasconcelos.
The new season is scheduled to premiere June 2 on Peacock, with new episodes airing daily except Wednesdays and Saturdays. Ariana Madix returns as host, while Iain Stirling continues as narrator.
Ahead of the premiere, Peacock also posted a message to fans urging respectful commentary around the new cast.
“The Villa runs on good vibes, and so does this community. We love seeing your reactions, opinions and debates, but everyone deserves to feel safe and respected,” the statement read. “This is a space for fun, not negativity so keep it kind, keep it positive, and remember: this is LOVE Island!”
Love Island USA has become one of Peacock’s biggest reality hits, but the repeated controversies have left viewers asking why contestants with past racist language keep making it through the casting process.
Reality television has always thrived on messy moments, but this is not just another villa disagreement over who kissed who by the fire pit. This is the kind of off screen history that follows a contestant into the show and forces the network to answer for what was missed before the cameras started rolling.
Season 8 has not premiered yet, but the first controversy has already arrived.
