Show Love Island USA became the most talked about show of the summer, but some seasons have also been fraught with controversy.
Shortly after Peacock unveiled the cast for the new season, videos surfaced of contestant Vasana Montgomery using a racial slur in a past social media post. PEOPLE confirmed that Montgomery has been dropped from the show. Over the years, the reality show has been the subject of numerous criticisms, scandals, and other negative reactions, leading to the elimination of numerous contestants and numerous online statements.
As Season 8, premiering June 2, 2026, promises to dominate social media across the country, here are some of the show's most controversial moments.
01 of 06
Season 4: Kyle Fraser's Departure
Kyle Frazier. Photo: Casey Durkin/Peacock via Getty
Four days after his triumphant appearance in Season 4, Kyle Fraser voluntarily left the show. "It's nighttime, and Kyle has left the villa for personal reasons," the narrator revealed.
Neither the show's creators nor Fraser ever explained the reason for his departure. However, finalist Deb Chubb, who became his partner after an unexpected turn of events at Casa Amor, stated on TikTok that if someone leaves voluntarily without announcing it to the rest of the cast, "it means something happened in real time.".
02 of 06
Season 6: Kenny Rodriguez and Jana Craig's Breakup
Kenny Rodriguez and Jana Craig. Photo: Peacock.
When Kenny Rodriguez and Jana Craig wrapped season 6 of the show «Love Island USA» , Fans eagerly followed the developments, as well as Serena Paige, Kordell Beckham, Leah Kateb, and Miguel Harichi. In July 2025, eagle-eyed followers noticed that Kateb, Beckham, Paige, Harichi, and Craig had unfollowed Rodriguez on social media, and PEOPLE confirmed the couple had split.
«"They won't get back together," the source added.
Two days later, Craig broke her silence about the split, thanking fans for their "love" and "support" and hinting at the reason for the breakup.
«"Please know that I've seen every breakup theory out there, and none of them compare to how awful, disgusting, and disappointing it is," Craig wrote. "Finding out that the person you loved isn't who you thought they were, and that the relationship you thought you were building wasn't genuine from day one, is truly devastating.".
Several of Craig's former reality TV co-stars «Island of Love» , including Kateb, Paige, Kaylor Martin, Liv Walker and Kendall Washington, expressed their full support.
Rodriguez also released a statement, saying, "I will forever be grateful for the times we spent together and the memories we made. I begin this chapter with no ill will, only with the hope that Jana's journey forward will bring her nothing but happiness.".
03 of 06
Season 7: The Deposition of Yulisa Escobar
Yulissa Escobar. Photo: Ben Simons/PEACOCK
In the second episode of Season 7, it was announced that Yulisa Escobar was no longer participating in the competition. Following the initial announcement, videos surfaced of Escobar using a racial slur in two different podcasts.
Following her removal from office, Escobar commented on the use of racist language in an Instagram post.
«"First of all, I want to apologize for using a word I had no right to say," she wrote in the caption. "I used it ignorantly, without fully understanding its meaning, history, or pain. I didn't mean to offend or hurt anyone, but I now understand that the intention doesn't justify the consequences.".
She continued, "I spoke casually in conversation, without thinking deeply or critically about what I said. But that doesn't diminish how wrong it was. The truth is, I didn't understand the right thing to do back then, but I do now.".
04 of 06
Season 7: Rampant Cyberbullying
Huda Mustafa. Photo: Ben Simons/Peacock
Season 7 contestants faced widespread hate from viewers who disagreed with their actions on the show. The vitriolic online comments directed at finalist Huda Mustafa prompted the father of her child to speak out against the negativity.
«"Your actions will impact her mental health, and possibly my daughter's mental health in the future. So, I'm taking care of her in this regard. Out of respect for our daughter," her ex-boyfriend, Noah Shelein, wrote. "You see how people date, and I don't think it's serious enough to back someone into a corner with bullying. No matter how ridiculous it may seem.".
Due to the increasing number of cases of harassment and attempts to disclose personal data of participants and their family members, Love Island USA posted a "friendly reminder" to its audience on Instagram.
«"We appreciate the fans, their passion for the show, and the wonderful islanders who are spending this summer with us," the message reads. "Please remember, these are real people, so let's be kind and spread love!"»
05 of 06
Season 7: Sierra Ortega's Entry
Sierra OrtegaPhoto: Ben Simons/Peacock via Getty
Toward the end of Season 7, it was revealed that contestant Sierra Ortega had previously used racist slurs against Chinese people. Following a fan outcry, she left the show between episodes, with the voiceover explaining that Ortega left due to a "personal situation.".
Three days after her sudden departure, she posted a video on Instagram in which she acknowledged the allegations and apologized.
«"I'm deeply, sincerely, and honestly sorry. I had no idea that word carried so much pain and harm, or that it had such a history, or I would never have used it," she said. "I had no malicious intent when I used it. But that's no excuse, because intent doesn't excuse ignorance.".
Ortega concluded: "I know that my future actions and how I choose to live my life will speak louder than any apology. But I need everyone to know that I'm sorry and meant no harm.".
06 of 06
Season 8: The Deposition of Vasana Montgomery
Vasana Montgomery. Photo courtesy of Peacock.
A few days before the show's premiere Love Island USA Vasana Montgomery was removed from the initial 12-woman lineup for the villa after videos surfaced on social media of Montgomery using a racial slur.
Read the original article on People.