Ariana Madix Explains How ‘Love Island USA’ Stars Should Weather Public Backlash After Season 7 Ends

Ariana Madix offered some advice to the Love Island USA stars who have no idea how invested the public has become in their onscreen ups and downs.

The Peacock host replied to a TikTok on Wednesday, June 18, about the overwhelming backlash certain islanders have received while filming season 7.

“I also think the people running their social media pages need to be on top of blocking, deleting, and setting limits on words etc on their pages,” Ariana, 39, wrote. “They shouldn’t see any of that when they get their phones back.”

Love Island USA follows a different group of singles every season who have to pair off in order to stay in the show’s luxury villa. The contestants — who are referred to as islanders — live in isolation in a villa and are under constant video surveillance. They must be coupled up to remain on the show and to stand a chance to receive the prize of $100,000.

Season 6 of the U.S. version of the show blew up on social media when it premiered in 2024. As a result, season 7 islanders Ace Greene, Amaya Espinal, Austin Shepard, Chelley Bissainthe, Cierra Ortega, Hannah Fields, Huda Mustafa, Iris Kendall, Jalen Brown, Jeremiah Brown, Pepe Garcia, Nic Vansteenberghe, Olandria Carthen, Taylor Williams and Charlie Georgiou were under even more scrutiny.

Yulissa Escobar made headlines earlier this month when she was removed just a few episodes in due to past racist posts.

“First, I want to apologize for using a word I had no right in using. Podcast clips from years ago have recently resurfaced, and I want to address it directly,” Yulissa wrote via Instagram after leaving the villa. “In those clips, I used a word I never should’ve used, a racial slur.”

Yulissa addressed the clips, which circulated online, adding, “I used it ignorantly, not fully understanding the weight, history, or pain behind it. I wasn’t trying to be offensive or harmful, but I recognize now that intention doesn’t excuse impact. And the impact of that word is real. It’s tied to generations of trauma, and it is not mine to use.”

The reality TV star expressed remorse for her past comments.

“At the time, I was speaking casually in conversation, not thinking deeply or critically about what I was saying. But that doesn’t take away from how wrong it was,” she noted. “The truth is, I didn’t know better then, but I do now. I’ve taken the time to reflect, to learn, and to grow from that moment.”

In her statement, Yulissa called out false posts attributed to her as well.

“There have also been fake statements circulating, things written or said by others that don’t reflect me or my heart. I want to clarify that this is my voice and my words,” she added. “I don’t need anyone to speak for me. I’m choosing to speak for myself because I take full ownership of my actions. Do not listen to the fake statements. This is my official statement. This is me, speaking directly to you. To those who are disappointed or offended, I understand and I apologize. I am sorry.”

Later in the season, Huda received backlash for her tumultuous romance with Jeremiah. Her ex Noah Sheline, with whom she shares 4-year-old daughter Arleigh, came to her defense on Monday, June 16, writing via Instagram Story, “At the end of the day I hope everyone remembers we’re human. Her going on that show to find love, or whatever you think it was she’s doing, remember she’s still human, she has a daughter, and a life.”

Noah urged Peacock viewers to be kind instead of mocking Huda.

“She’s maybe not doing a great job idk I don’t watch the show but I don’t like that I’m seeing so much negative s*** on my page or even clips of it about her,” he added about the “unhealthy” hate. “It’s not my job to police her or the people in my comments, but I will say what you guys do will affect her mental health and my daughter’s maybe in the future.”

New episodes of Love Island USA will be released six days a week — except for Wednesdays — on Peacock.