Vasana Montgomery Removed from Love Island USA Season 8 Over Racial Slur, Issues Apology

Vasana Montgomery, a 25‑year‑old contestant from Beaverton, Oregon, was expelled from Peacock’s reality‑dating series Love Island USA ahead of the Season 8 premiere after two private videos resurfaced showing her using the N‑word. The show removed her on May 30, two days after announcing the cast. Montgomery posted an Instagram‑Story apology, saying, “I used a racial slur. There is no excuse… I am embarrassed and disappointed by my words,” and pledged personal growth.

The incident follows similar removal of contestants Yulissa Escobar (Season 7) and Cierra Ortega (Season 8) for racial slurs, prompting the producers to emphasize a “good‑vibes” community. To maintain gender balance after Montgomery’s exit, the series demoted fellow contestant Gabriel Vasconcelos from an original islander to a bombshell newcomer.

Love Island USA airs nightly on Peacock, and the controversy has sparked discussion about accountability and vetting practices in reality TV.