Love Island USA Drops Contestant For Using ‘N-Word’ Ahead of Season 8 Premiere

A cast member of Love Island USA has been abruptly removed from the cast before Season 8's premiere. Contestant Vasana Montgomery was dropped from the cast after fans discovered two old videos of her using the N-word. The videos quickly went viral on social media and led to action from producers.

According to NBC News, one video showed the 25-year-old Vasana rapping along to a song with the slur, while another captured her saying it at an arcade. Production sources stressed that these videos were not found during the initial background checks.

The highly anticipated Season 8, which is slated to air on June 2, 2026, will showcase 11 contestants on the island. Apart from Vasana, the rest of the cast includes-- Aniya Harvey, Beatriz Hatz, Bryce Alakai Dettloff, Gabriel Vasconcelos, KC Chandler, Mackenzie "Kenzie" Annis, Melanie Moreno, Sincere Rhea, Sean Reifel, Trinity Tatum, and Zach Georgiou.

After Vasana was booted from the lineup, the show's official Instagram account shared a strong message with the fans, asking them to be respectful. They also remarked that "this is a space for fun, not negativity".

According to People, the statement read, "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. This is a space for fun, not negativity — so keep it king, keep it positive, and remember: this is LOVE Island!"

The show's host, Ariana Madix, shared some advice for the contestants ahead of the premiere. She emphasized that staying true to oneself is the only way to survive the reality TV spotlight. Madix said, "It sounds cliché, but be yourself because being yourself is what made the people who make the show fall in love with you, and that's what's gonna make the audience fall in love with you".

She added, "It's what's gonna make the Islander that you have a crush on fall in love with you. Being authentic and vulnerable and showing yourself is really the best thing you can do in that situation."

This is not the first time the franchise has removed a contestant over inappropriate language. Love Island USA has established a strict zero-tolerance policy regarding offensive behavior.

In the previous season, contestant Yulissa Escobar was removed from the villa after old clips surfaced of her using the N-word. Escobar later issued a public apology for her ignorant language.

Additionally, another contestant named Cierra Ortega was abruptly kicked off the show after viewers uncovered an old social media post where she used an anti-Asian slur.

Social media users reacted to Vasana Montgomery getting booted from the show and shared their thoughts on Peacock's decision. One user said, "They gonna kick all the monkeys off the show too because they’ve definitely all said it before?"

Another individual wrote, "Rapping a song that says n---a ain’t serious enough for removal. We’re not all that fragile. Nobody should be saying it, but that won’t happen."

One more said, "It’s just a word, it’s not that serious."