“Love Island” is facing early controversy ahead of the premiere of its eighth season after reports that planned original cast member Vasana Montgomery has been removed from the lineup. According to multiple outlets, Montgomery’s exit came after videos resurfaced online in which she appeared to use the N-word. Us Weekly confirmed that the reality contestant was booted from the show because of her past use of the racial slur. In one clip, Montgomery is seen apparently rapping along to a song and using the term, while another video appears to show her saying, “Knock knock n—a,” while playing an arcade game.
Montgomery, 25, had been announced as one of the main women entering the villa and had already appeared in promotional material for the Peacock series. In the season 8 trailer, she described herself as “the full package,” saying she owns a business, lives alone and has a dog. She was introduced as an Oregon native whose dating history, according to her, spans a wide range.
The removal has drawn renewed attention to how “Love Island” has handled similar situations in the past. Last year, contestant Cierra Ortega was taken off the show after a video surfaced of her using a racial slur. Although Peacock and the production team did not publicly comment on Ortega’s exit, her parents later released a statement acknowledging the backlash and asking for compassion, while also condemning the threats their daughter received online.
Another former contestant, Yulissa Escobar from season 7, was also removed after videos of her using the N-word spread on social media. Escobar later apologized, saying she had no right to use the word and describing her actions as ignorant. She said she understood that the term carries deep historical trauma and that her intention did not erase the impact.
The latest controversy is part of a broader wave of scrutiny surrounding the series as it prepares to return. In another related story, Easton, Pennsylvania Mayor J. William Reynolds criticized ex-police officer Sean Reifel for leaving his job to join the show. Reynolds said the police department had spent time and taxpayer money training him, and that his departure created another staffing vacancy. Reifel, 29, was featured in promotional clips for season 8, where he described himself as a police officer looking for love rather than a model or actor.
“Love Island” season 8 is scheduled to premiere Tuesday, June 2, at 9 p.m. EST on Peacock.
