Vasana Montgomery is speaking out after being ousted as a member of “Love Island USA” season 8 after videos resurfaced that appeared to show her using a racial slur.
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“I wanted to address a couple of videos from my teen years that have recently resurfaced. In those videos, I used a racial slur. There is no excuse for it, and I am deeply sorry,” she wrote on her Instagram story on Wednesday. “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.”
The statement comes days after the Peacock show announced the show’s cast. Shortly after, two videos began circulating on social media showing Montgomery, 25, appearing to say the N-word on camera.
On May 29, she was removed from the cast. Peacock also told NBC that she would not be included in the season. (Peacock is owned by NBCUniversal, the parent company of NBC News.)
In her Instagram story addressing the videos, the Beaverton, Oregon, native said that she has “grown a lot as a person and taken the time to educate myself, listen, learn, and better understand the impact that language can have,” she added.
“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 growing, learning, and becoming better.”
She finished the Instagram story by saying, “To anyone I hurt or disappointed, I am truly sorry.”
This is not the first time a video or past encounter involving a “Love Island” cast member has resurfaced. In season 7, cast member Yulissa Escobar exited the show after clips surfaced of racist language used during a podcast appearance.
Before the cast was released to the public, Love Island posted a statement on their Instagram saying, “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 keep it kind, keep it positive, and remember: this is LOVE Island!”
The real-time dating competition series premiered Tuesday and will release new episodes daily, except Wednesdays, after its first week. “Love Island USA” is streaming on Peacock.
