Just days before the season eight premiere of Love Island USA, production removed contestant Vasana Montgomery , 25, after videos resurfaced showing her allegedly using the N-word, according to TMZ. The decision comes as the show faces yet another racism scandal, echoing similar incidents that led to the removal of past contestants. Montgomery, a business owner, had been featured in promotional materials and was set to appear on the Peacock series hosted by Ariana Madix.

The private videos that slipped through Love Island USA's casting screenings

According to TMZ, the controversial clips were set to private on social media, which prevented the casting team from discovering them during the initial vetting process. In one video, Montgomery is heard uttering the racial slur while rapping along to a song; in another, she reportedly used it while playing a game with a friend. Production insiders told TMZ that the private status of the videos explains why they were missed,raising questions about the thoroughness of the show's pre-screening practices.

A pattern of racist conduct: Yulissa Escobar and Cierra Ortega's similar removals

Montgomery's removal is not an isolated incident. Last season, Yulissa Escobar was expelled after podcast clips surfaced of her using the N-word while discussing ex-boyfriends. Escobar later apologized on Instagram, writing that she "used a word I had no right in using" and acknowledged "generations of trauma." In season seven, Cierra Ortega was ejected after fans uncovred multiple racist posts, including a slur offensive to Chinese people. Ortega's parents addressed the controversy on her Instagram Stories , calling it "the most painful weeks of our lives."

Love Island USA's 'good vibes' statement and the unanswered questions

Following Montgomery's removal, Love Island USA issued an Instagram statement emphasizing community safety and positivity: "The Villa runs on good vibes... This is a space for fun, not negativity." The network, NBC, has not yet responded to requests for comment. The vague statemnt left unanswered questions:Will the show implement stronger social media background checks? What concrete measures will prevent future incidents? And how will the remaining season eight cast address the controversy?

The June 2 premiere: a season recast on short notice

With Montgomery removed, the eighth season of Love Island USA is set to premiere on Peacock on June 2. The full cast was revealed earlier this week, and Montgomery had previously apppeared in a teaser saying, "I think I am the full package ... i own a business; I live alone; I have a dog." Her absence will require last-minute adjustments to the show's dynamic, as producers aim to maintain the "good vibes" promised in their statement — despite the recurring revelations of racist behavior among contestants.