Vasana Montgomery has apologized following her removal from the “Love Island USA” cast after videos surfaced that appeared to show her using a racial slur.
“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.”
Peacock announced her removal from the cast of Season 8 this week after two videos began circulating on social media showing Montgomery, 25, appearing to say a racial slur that refers to Black people.
The streaming service also told NBC News 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, resident said 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.”
“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.”
“To anyone I hurt or disappointed, I am truly sorry,” she added.
“Love Island USA” faced a similar controversy last season, when cast member Yulissa Escobar exited the show after clips surfaced showing her appear to use racist language in a podcast appearance.
Before revealing this season’s cast, “Love Island USA” posted a statement on 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.”
“This is a space for fun, not negativity — so keep it kind, keep it positive, and remember: this is LOVE Island!” the statement said.
The real-time dating competition series premiered Tuesday and will release new episodes daily, except Wednesdays, after its first week.
