Love Island USA contestant removed after online racial slur controversy
A contestant named Vasana Montgomery was removed from the cast of “Love Island USA” Season 8 before the season’s premiere. The decision was announced by Peacock, the network that streams the series, after videos surfaced showing Montgomery using the N‑word during a song performance and while playing an arcade game. Videos were not publicly released until after the cast names were announced.
Peacock confirmed the removal in a statement to NBC News, explaining that the clips had not been shared publicly before the cast reveal. Montgomery has not issued a public comment regarding the decision.
The show, filmed in real time in a villa on the U.S. coast, follows contestants over six weeks as they seek romantic partners and face potential eviction. “Love Island USA” gained significant popularity in 2024, with Season 7 becoming Peacock’s most‑watched original season, drawing over 18 billion minutes of viewing.
The removal follows a prior season’s controversies involving contestants Yulissa Escobar and Cierra Ortega, who were dropped after past use of racial slurs was revealed. Peacock has previously issued public statements urging fans to maintain a respectful environment due to increased online harassment of contestants.
At present, no replacement has been announced for the start of Season 8, and the show has not issued further updates regarding the cast change.