Love Island USA Drops Season 8 Contestant Over Alleged Use of N-Word

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Vasana Montgomery has been asked to leave the villa.

After videos surfaced of the Love Island USA contestant allegedly saying the N-word, Montgomery was removed from the cast just days before the show’s season 8 premiere on June 2, Peacock confirmed to NBC News.

The streaming service also told the outlet that the videos that have since surfaced were not publicly shared until after the cast announcement.

In one video circulating on social media, Montgomery allegedly says, “Knock knock, n---a” while playing what appears to be an arcade game. In a separate clip, the 25-year-old appears to use the N-word while rapping to a song while sitting in a car.

E! News has reached out to Montgomery's business Vanity by Vasana for comment but has not heard back. She also did not return NBC News' request for comment.

Montgomery was first announced as a contestant on season 8 of the reality show May 28.

“I think I am the full package,” she said in Peacock’s cast announcement teaser. “I own a business, I live alone, I have a dog. If you were to ask my friends what my type is, they’d show you the world map.”

Ahead of unveiling the newest wave of islanders, the show—known to create passionate discourse online—shared a message against cyberbullying.

“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 May 27 statement read. “This is a space for fun, not negativity — so keep it kind, keep it positive, and remember: this is LOVE Island!”

Peacock

But Montgomery isn’t the only Love Island contestant to be caught in hot water as of late. Last season, Yulissa Escobar abruptly left the Peacock series after just two episodes due to online backlash she received for using the N-word in numerous clips from resurfaced podcast appearances.

“First, I want to apologize for using a word I had no right in using,” she wrote on Instagram last June. “In those clips, I used a word I never should’ve used, a racial slur. 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.”

Escobar, 28, went on to say she “didn’t know better” at the time but has since made efforts to “grow” from the experience.

“I’ve changed a lot since then, not just in how I speak, but in how I show up, how I carry myself, and how I honor the experiences of others,” she continued. “Growth means recognizing when you were wrong, even if it’s uncomfortable, and choosing to move forward with humility and accountability.”

For more on the Love Island USA season 8 contestants, read on…

Peacock

KC Chandler

Fresno, California

Peacock

Melanie Moreno

Los Angeles, California

Peacock

Bryce Dettloff

Los Angeles, California

Peacock

Vasana Montgomery