“Love Island USA” Contestant Vasana Montgomery Issues Statement Apologizing for Use of N-Word: 'There Is No Excuse for It'
“Love Island USA” Contestant Vasana Montgomery Issues Statement Apologizing for Use of N-Word: 'There Is No Excuse for It'
Charna FlamThu, June 4, 2026 at 4:55 AM UTC
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Vasana MontgomeryCredit: Courtesy of Peacock -
Vasana Montgomery was pulled from Love Island USA three days before the season 8 premiere after social media posts surfaced of her allegedly using the N-word
She issued an apology on her Instagram Stories on Wednesday, June 3, acknowledging the harm caused by her words
"I take full responsibility for what I said and understand why it has hurt and upset people," her statement read
Vasana Montgomery, the Love Island USA contestant who was dropped from the cast for using a racial slur, has issued an apology.
Montgomery was pulled from the cast after social media posts surfaced of her allegedly using the N-word, PEOPLE confirmed on May 30.
"I want to address a couple videos from my teen years that have recently resurfaced," Montgomery, 25, began in an Instagram Stories post on Wednesday, June 3, published one day after the season 8 premiere.
"In those videos, I used a racial slur," she wrote. "There is no excuse for it, and I am deeply sorry. I am embarrassed and disappointed by my words."
"I take full responsibility for what I said and understand why it has hurt and upset people," she continued.
Vasana Montgomery's June 3, 2026 Instagram StoriesCredit: instagram
Since filming the videos, Montgomery said she has "grown a lot as a person" and educated herself to "listen, learn, and better understand the impact that language can have," she wrote.
"That growth does not erase my mistake, and I am not asking anyone to excuse it," she wrote, adding that she believes "people should be held accountable for their actions," but also in "growth, learning, and becoming better."
"To anyone I hurt or disappointed, I am truly sorry," she concluded.
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The 11 remaining season 8 stars are: Aniya Harvey (from Tyrone, Ga., and daughter of retired NBA player Donnell Harvey); Beatriz Hatz (San Diego); Bryce Dettloff (Los Angeles); Gabriel Vasconcelos (Miami); KC Chandler (Fresno, Calif.); Kenzie Annis (Kennesaw, Ga.); Melanie Moreno (Los Angeles); Sean Reifel (Easton, Pa.); Sincere Rhea (Cape May, N.J.); Trinity Tatum (Newport News, Va.); and Zach Georgiou (Birmingham, England). Georgiou's brother Charlie was featured on season 7.
Before the cast announcement, the show shared a message on Instagram on May 27, asking fans to be respectful as they watch the upcoming new season.
"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," the statement said. "This is a space for fun, not negativity — so keep it king, keep it positive, and remember: this is LOVE Island!"
Vasana MontgomeryCredit: Courtesy of Peacock
Two season 7 stars were also removed from the show for past use of racial slurs. Yulissa Escobar was taken off the show during the second episode, after videos surfaced of her using the N-word in two separate podcasts. Two days later, she issued an apology in an Instagram post.
Towards 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. The cause of her departure was explained as a "personal situation." Ortega later posted a video on Instagram, admitting to the allegations and apologizing.
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Love Island USA season 8 airs at 9 p.m. ET on Thursdays through Tuesdays on Peacock.
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Source: “AOL Entertainment”
