“Love Island USA”'s Most Controversial Moments: Breakups, Bullying, Removals and More

Brendan LeWed, June 3, 2026 at 9:00 PM UTC

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Cierra Ortega, Vasana Montgomery and Kyle FraserCredit: Kim Nunneley/Peacock via Getty; Courtesy of Peacock; Casey Durkin/Peacock via Getty

Love Island USA has become the buzziest show of the summer, but some seasons also brought controversy.

Shortly after Peacock unveiled the latest season's cast, videos surfaced of one contestant, Vasana Montgomery, using the N-word in a past social media post. PEOPLE confirmed that Montgomery was then dropped from the show. The reality competition series has seen backlash, scandals and more over the years, resulting in the expulsion of multiple contestants and numerous online statements.

As season 8 is set to dominate social media feeds nationwide after its premiere on June 2, 2026, here are some of the show's most controversial moments.

01 of 06

Season 4: Kyle Fraser's Exit

Kyle FraserCredit: Casey Durkin/Peacock via Getty

Four days after entering season 4 as a bombshell, Kyle Fraser voluntarily exited the show. "It's nighttime and Kyle has left the villa for personal reasons," the narrator revealed.

Neither the show nor Fraser ever addressed the reason for his departure. However, finalist Deb Chubb — who partnered up with him after the Casa Amor twist — said in a TikTok that if somebody exits on their own accord with no announcement to the rest of the cast, "it means that something came out in real time."

02 of 06

Season 6: Kenny Rodriguez and JaNa Craig's Breakup

Kenny Rodriguez and JaNa CraigCredit: Peacock

When Kenny Rodriguez and JaNa Craig finished Love Island USA season 6, fans eagerly kept up with the couple, as well as Serena Page, Kordell Beckham, Leah Kateb and Miguel Harichi. In July 2025, eagle-eyed followers saw that Kateb, Beckham, Page, Harichi and Craig had all unfollowed Rodriguez, and PEOPLE confirmed that the two had split.

"They will not be getting back together," added the source.

Craig broke her silence on the breakup two days later, thanking fans for their "love" and "support" and hinting at why the relationship ended.

"Please know that I have seen all the breakup theories and none have matched up to how terrible, disgusting and disappointing it truly is," wrote Craig. "Discovering that someone you loved isn't who you thought they were and that the relationship you thought you were building hasn't been genuine since day one has been truly devastating."

Several of Craig's former Love Island costars, including Kateb, Page, Kaylor Martin, Liv Walker and Kendall Washington, vocalized their full support for her.

Rodriguez also released a statement that read, "I'll always be grateful for the time we shared and the memories we created. I release this chapter with no ill will, only a hope that JaNa's path forward brings her nothing but happiness."

03 of 06

Season 7: Yulissa Escobar's Removal

Yulissa EscobarCredit: Ben Symons/PEACOCK

The show announced during the second episode of season 7 that Yulissa Escobar was no longer in the competition. After the initial cast announcement, videos surfaced of Escobar using the N-word in two separate podcasts.

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Following her removal, Escobar addressed her usage of racial slurs in an Instagram post.

"First, I want to apologize for using a word I had no right in using," she wrote in the caption. "I used it ignorantly, not fully understanding the weight, history, or pain behind it. I wasn't trying to be offensive or harmful, but I recognize now that intention doesn't excuse impact."

She continued, "I was speaking casually in conversation, not thinking deeply or critically about what I was saying. But that doesn't take away from how wrong it was. The truth is, I didn't know better then, but I do now."

04 of 06

Season 7: Rampant Cyberbullying

Huda MustafaCredit: Ben Symons/Peacock

Season 7 contestants experienced overwhelming hate when viewers disagreed with their actions on the show. The vitriol that finalist Huda Mustafa received online prompted the father of her child to speak out against the negativity.

"What you guys do will affect her mental health and my daughter's maybe in the future. So I'm looking out for her in that aspect. Out of respect for our daughter," wrote her ex-boyfriend Noah Sheline. "Y'all are watching people date I don't think it's that serious to put someone down a hole of bullying. Regardless of how ridiculous she might be or seem."

Due to an increase in harassment and doxxing attempts toward contestants and their family members, Love Island USA issued a "friendly reminder" on Instagram to their audiences.

"We appreciate the fans, the passion for the series, and the amazing group of Islanders who are sharing their summer with us," read the post. "Please just remember they're real people - so let's be kind and spread the love!"

05 of 06

Season 7: Cierra Ortega's Exit

Cierra OrtegaCredit: Ben Symons/Peacock via Getty

Near the end of season 7, contestant Cierra Ortega's past usage of racial slurs targeted toward Chinese people came to light. Following fan uproar, she exited the show between episodes, and the narration explained that Ortega had left due to a "personal situation."

Three days after her abrupt departure, she posted a video on Instagram owning up to the allegations and apologizing.

"I am deeply, truly, honestly, so sorry. I had no idea that the word held as much pain as much harm, and came with the history that it did, or I never would have used it," she said. "I had no ill intention when I was using it. But that's absolutely no excuse, because intent doesn't excuse ignorance."

Ortega concluded, "I know that moving forward, my actions and how I decide to live my life from here on out is going to speak louder than any apology ever could. But I do need it to be known that I am sorry, and I did mean no harm."

06 of 06

Season 8: Vasana Montgomery's Removal

Vasana MontgomeryCredit: Courtesy of Peacock

Days ahead of the premiere, Love Island USA dropped Vasana Montgomery from the initial cast of 12 entering the villa. The removal came on the heels of social media videos resurfacing in which Montgomery used the N-word.

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Source: “AOL Entertainment”