Vasana Montgomery, the Love Island USA contestant who was kicked off the show for using a racial slur, has broken her silence about the matter.
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Vasana, a 25-year-old business owner from Beaverton, OR, allegedly used the N-word online.
"I want to address a couple videos from my teen years that have recently resurfaced," Vasana, 25, wrote via Instagram Stories on Wednesday, June 3.
Vasana took to Instagram one day after Love Island USA premiered its eighth season June 2 on Peacock.
"In those videos, I used a racial slur," she admitted. "There is no excuse for it, and I am deeply sorry. I am embarrassed and disappointed by my words."
Vasana continued: "I take full responsibility for what I said and understand why it has hurt and upset people."
Since posting those offensive videos, Vasana insisted that she has "grown a lot as a person."
"[I've] taken the time to educate myself, listen, learn, and better understand the impact that language can have," she shared.
"That growth does not erase my mistake, and I am not asking anyone to excuse it. I believe people should be held accountable for their actions, but I also believe in growth, learning, and becoming better."
She concluded, "To anyone I hurt or disappointed, I am truly sorry."
A Peacock spokesperson told Deadline earlier this week that the videos of Vasana's racial slur are privately owned and could not be viewed -- and therefore vetted by producers -- until they were shared publicly after the casting announcement.
Vasana boasted in the show's promo video how she's the "full package" and doesn't have a specific type when it comes to dating.
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Vasana's removal marks the second consecutive year a contestant on Love Island USA has exited the show amid controversy over past social media activity.
In June 2025, Yulissa Escobar left the villa one day after the Season 7 premiere following backlash over a resurfaced video in which she repeatedly used the N-word.
Yulissa's departure was acknowledged midway through the season's second episode with a brief on-screen statement. Yulissa later apologized for her remarks, although she has since made social media posts appearing to downplay the incident, according to Deadline.
Just weeks later, fellow Season 7 islander Cierra Ortega also departed the series after social media users resurfaced a post in which she had used a racial slur targeting Asians.
Narrator Iain Stirling reportedly told viewers during Episode 30 that Cierra had left the villa "due to a personal situation."
Following her exit, Cierra released a video statement in which she took responsibility for using the term but maintained she had been unaware of its meaning at the time.
"I do want to hold my hands up and say that I take accountability for using the word, but I do want it to be known that I genuinely had no idea that it was a slur. I had no idea of its meaning," Cierra reportedly said.
Now that Vasana has been removed from the cast, the remaining Islanders starring on Love Island USA's eighth season include Aniya Harvey from Tyrone, GA; Beatriz Hatz from San Diego, CA; Bryce Dettloff from Los Angeles, CA; and Gabriel Vasconcelos from Miami, KC.
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Vanderpump Rules alum Ariana Madix reprised her role as host of Love Island USA.
Late last month, Love Island USA released a statement condemning "negativity" prior to the unveiling of its Season 8 cast.
"The Villa runs on good vibes, and so does this community," read the May 27 post.
"We love seeing your reactions, opinions, and debates, but everyone deserves to feel safe and respected."
The show continued, "This is a space for fun, not negativity -- so keep it kind, keep it positive, and remember: this is LOVE Island!"
About The Author: Elizabeth Kwiatkowski
