“Love Island” contestant Vasana Montgomery is breaking her silence on being removed from the Season 8 cast after videos resurfaced of her using a racial slur.
“I want to address a couple videos from my teen years that have recently resurfaced,” Montgomery began in a statement posted to her Instagram Stories on Wednesday, the day after the new season kicked off on Peacock.
“In those videos, I used a racial slur. There is no excuse for it, and I am deeply sorry,” she continued. “I am embarrassed and disappointed by my words. I take full responsibility for what I said and understand why it has hurt and upset people.”
Montgomery said that since the videos — which allegedly showed her singing the N-word in a song lyric — were filmed, she has “grown a lot as a person and taken the time to educate [herself], listen, learn, and better understand the impact that language can have.”
“That growth does not erase my mistake, and I am not asking anyone to excuse it,” she added. “I believe people should be held accountable for their actions, but I also believe in growth, learning, and becoming better.”
Montgomery, a business owner from Beaverton, Oregon, concluded her statement, writing, “To anyone I hurt or disappointed, I am truly sorry.”
TMZ first reported of the 25-year-old would-be reality star’s axing from “Love Island” Season 8 on May 30.
At the time, a source close to production told the outlet the videos featuring Montgomery using the racial slur were private, which is why they didn’t come up when she was being vetted for the popular dating show.
This isn’t the first time the “Love Island” powers that be have booted a cast member over using offensive language.
Just last season, two bombshells found themselves exiting the villa early due to controversial activity on social media.
Yulissa Escobar abruptly left the show just one day after the Season 7 premiere following uncovered podcast clips in which she could be heard repeatedly using the N-word came to light. Escobar’s exit was addressed in the second episode and she later apologized online.
Fellow islander Cierra Ortega, on the other hand, departed after past usage of a slur targeting the Asian community emerged. “Love Island” narrator Iain Stirling informed contestants Ortega left “due to a personal situation,” and days later she released an “accountability video.”
Ahead of the Season 8 premiere — and following news of Montgomery’s removal from the show — a statement was released to the official “Love Island” instagram account pleading with fans to be “kind” to the cast online.
“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 statement read. “This is a space for fun, not negativity — so please keep it kind, keep it positive, and remember: this is LOVE Island!”
The new season kicked off without Montgomery and saw islanders Aniya Harvey, Beatriz Hatz, Melanie Moreno, Bryce Dettloff, Kenzie Annis, KC Chandler, Sean Reifel, Sincere Rhea, Trinity Tatum and Zach Georgiou begin their quest to find love.
“Love Island” Season 8 is now streaming on Peacock.
