This image released by Peacock shows Cierra Ortega in an episode of “Love Island USA.” (Ben Symons/Peacock via AP)
Just days before the premiere of Love Island USA Season 8, contestant Vasana Montgomery has been removed from the popular reality dating show after videos allegedly showing her using a racial slur surfaced online.
Montgomery, a 25-year-old hair salon owner from Beaverton, Oregon, was originally announced as one of the first contestants, known as “islanders,” set to appear on the new season. However, Peacock confirmed that she was removed from the show before the first episode aired.
According to reports, two videos began circulating on social media after Montgomery’s casting was announced. In one video, she appeared to be singing lyrics containing the racial slur, while in another, she allegedly used the same word while reacting to an arcade game.
Peacock stated that the videos were not publicly available until after Montgomery had been revealed as part of the Season 8 cast.
The incident quickly sparked discussion across social media, with many users debating the timing of the video’s release and the show’s decision to remove her from the cast.
This is the second consecutive season in which Love Island USA has faced controversy involving racist language. During Season 7, contestant Yulissa Escobar was removed after a video surfaced showing her using the same racial slur. Later that season, contestant Cierra Ortega was also removed after an old social media post containing an anti-Chinese slur was discovered by viewers.
Despite the controversy, Love Island USA Season 8 is set to premiere on June 2. The show follows a group of singles living together in a luxury villa in Fiji as they search for love, build relationships, and face new challenges as additional contestants enter throughout the season.
The removal of Montgomery highlights the growing scrutiny reality TV contestants face regarding their past online behavior and public statements before appearing on national television.
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