Full Breakdown
Love Island USA Removes Contestant Vasana Montgomery Over Resurfaced Racial Slur Video
6/4/2026, 2:00:32 PM
Core Event
Vasana Montgomery, announced as a cast member for *Love Island USA* season eight, was removed before the June 2, 2024 premiere after privately owned videos from her teenage years surfaced showing her using the N-word. The clips, posted to social media following the May 28 cast announcement, sparked immediate backlash and prompted the production to end her participation.
Background & Context
The series previously confronted similar issues in season seven. Yulissa Escobar was removed days after entering the villa when a video showed her using the N-word, and later Cierra Ortega was expelled after a social-media post containing a racial slur. These actions set a precedent for swift removal over past offensive language.
Timeline
Key dates: May 28, 2024 – Peacock announced Montgomery’s casting; late May – the N-word videos surfaced; May 30–June 1 – fans criticized; June 2 – season eight premiered without her. In 2023, season seven saw Escobar and Ortega removed for similar offenses.
Key Figures & Groups
The central individuals are Vasana Montgomery, the former contestant; Yulissa Escobar and Cierra Ortega, previous contestants removed for slurs; Peacock, the streaming platform; and the Love Island USA production team. Fans and social-media users also played a role in the backlash.
Official Statements & Responses
Montgomery addressed the issue on Instagram, acknowledging the videos, expressing remorse, and emphasizing personal growth. She said there is “no excuse” for her language, accepted responsibility for the hurt caused, and noted her efforts to educate herself while affirming belief in accountability and improvement.
Criticism & Opposition
Fans on social media demanded accountability and called for Montgomery’s removal. The reaction mirrored earlier criticism that led to Escobar’s and Ortega’s expulsions, underscoring a consistent expectation for the series to enforce a zero-tolerance policy on racial slurs.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The production has not disclosed the internal rationale for the timing of Montgomery’s removal, and neither Peacock nor the Love Island USA producers issued a public comment, leaving the decision-making process unclear.
Impact
The repeated expulsions highlight growing scrutiny of contestants’ past online conduct. Networks may tighten background checks and vetting to prevent similar controversies, reflecting industry pressure to maintain inclusive standards.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I want to address a couple videos from my teen years that have recently resurfaced,” — Vasana Montgomery, Instagram
- “There is no excuse for it, and I am deeply sorry.” — Vasana Montgomery, Instagram
- “Montgomery continued,” Since then, I have grown a lot as a person and taken the time to educate myself, listen, learn, and better understand the impact that language can have.” — Vasana Montgomery, Instagram
- “To anyone I hurt or disappointed, I am truly sorry.” — Vasana Montgomery, Instagram
What’s Next
*Love Island USA* will continue its scheduled run on Peacock, airing Thursday through Tuesday. No further casting changes have been announced, and the season proceeds without Montgomery.
