Love Island USA Drops Contestant Vasana Montgomery Over Alleged Use of N-Word
There's one less bombshell looking for love.
Although Love Island USA announced the first 12 islanders joining the season eight cast on May 28, one contestant Vasana Montgomery was removed from the roster before the premiere over old videos of her allegedly saying a racial slur.
She wasn't mentioned on the June 2 premiere. It instead began with the introduction of the five other female islanders, with narrator Iain Stirling confirming, “Here comes our final two girls," before Beatriz Hatz and Trinity Tatum walked into the villa.
Host Ariana Madix then went on to welcome the season's original five male islanders—even though the original cast announcement had included six men to evenly match the six women. Previously announced contestant Gabriel Vasconcelos—a model from Rio de Janeiro—was not included in the group of O.G. men.
However, he still entered the villa in Fiji, as the episode ended with his tease as the first surprise bombshell alongside new girl Kayda, a 22-year-old from New Hampshire.
Just two days before the season eight premiere, Peacock confirmed to NBC News that Montgomery was pulled after the alleged videos resurfaced, which the streaming service said were not publicly shared until after the cast announcement.
In one clip circulating on social media, Montgomery allegedly said, "Knock knock, n---a" while playing an arcade game. In another video, she appeared to use the N-word while rapping a song in a car.
Before the videos went viral, the entrepreneur—whose Love Island USA debut was announced May 28—explained why she was the perfect candidate for the dating competition series.
"I think I am the full package," she said in the teaser video. "I own a business, I live alone, I have a dog. If you were to ask my friends what my type is, they'd show you the world map."
But who else is still in the game? Beatriz, Trinity, Aniya Harvey, Bryce Dettloff, KC Chandler, Kenzie Annis, Melanie Moreno, Sean Reifel, Sincere Rhea and season seven alum Charlie Georgiou's brother Zach Georgiou.
Montgomery's exit comes one season after Yulissa Escobar left the show due to backlash following clips of her using the N-word resurfacing online.
Peacock
Though season seven, episode one ended with Escobar sleeping alongside Ace Greene, narrator Iain Stirling welcomed viewers back the next day, briefly noting, "Yulissa has left the villa."
Four days later, she expressed remorse for her actions in the videos, emphasizing that she had "no right in using" the word.
"I used it ignorantly, not fully understanding the weight, history, or pain behind it," Escober, 28, wrote on Instagram. "I wasn't trying to be offensive or harmful, but I recognize now that intention doesn't excuse impact."
"I've changed a lot since then, not just in how I speak, but in how I show up, how I carry myself, and how I honor the experiences of others," she added. "Growth means recognizing when you were wrong, even if it's uncomfortable, and choosing to move forward with humility and accountability."
While fans wait to see some hot moments on Love Island USA, keep reading for a closer look at all the season eight contestants.
Peacock
KC Chandler
Fresno, California
Peacock
Melanie Moreno
Los Angeles, California
Peacock
Bryce Dettloff
Los Angeles, California
Peacock
Trinity Tatum
Newport News, Virginia
Peacock
Zach Georgiou
Birmingham, England
Peacock
Aniya Harvey
Tyrone, Georgia
Peacock
Beatriz Hatz
San Diego, California
Peacock
Gabriel Vasconcelos
Miami, Florida
Peacock
Sean Reifel
Easton, Pennsylvania
Peacock
Kenzie Annis
Kennesaw, Georgia
Peacock
Sincere Rhea
Cape May, New Jersey
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