A “Love Island USA” contestant says she is taking responsibility for the controversial social media videos that cost her a spot on the hit reality TV series this week.
Peacock quickly fired Vasana Montgomery from the cast of the eighth season of “Love Island USA” as she faced backlash over recently surfaced videos on social media in which she can be seen using a racial slur. In a statement shared to her Instagram Stories on Wednesday, Montgomery said the videos of her using the N-word were taken during her teenage years. “There is no excuse for it and I am deeply sorry,” he said.
“I feel ashamed and disappointed by my words,” Montgomery, based in Beaverton, Oregon, continued in her post. “I take full responsibility for what I said and understand why it has hurt and upset people.”
A short video that circulated on social media last weekend shows Montgomery rapping a song and saying the racial slur. She can also be heard saying the N-word while playing a shooting game in an arcade, according to TMZ and Variety.
Montgomery is the third “Love Island USA” contestant in two years to face scrutiny for apparently using a racial slur: Contestants Cierra Ortega and Yulissa Escobar also faced consequences for social media posts.
On Wednesday, Montgomery said she has “grown a lot as a person” since her teenage years and has spent time “educating, listening, learning and better understanding the impact language can have.” He acknowledged that his progress over the years does not undo his mistakes and wrote that he “doesn't ask anyone to apologize.”
Peacock announced last week that Montgomery was among the bombshells who entered the villa in Fiji for the final season. On Monday, The Times confirmed that the reality series has parted ways with Montgomery. A source familiar with the production of “Love Island USA” said earlier this week that the videos appeared on social media from a private account and were not posted until after the casting announcement. The source also noted that if the videos were private, they would not have been viewable during Peacock's investigation process.
At the cast reveal, Montgomery described herself as “the total package.” In Wednesday's statement, Montgomery took a different tone, underscoring his belief in responsibility but also in “growing, learning and improving.” He finished his statement: “To anyone I hurt or let down, I am so sorry.”
The eighth season of “Love Island USA” premiered Tuesday on Peacock, with host and “Vanderpump Rules” alum Ariana Madix back at the helm. The series airs on Peacock at 6 pm and airs new episodes every day except Wednesdays.
