Ariana Madix’s Emotional Reaction to Love Island USA Controversy

Ariana Madix fought back tears as she addressed the many controversies surrounding Love Island USA season 7.

“This season has been incredibly challenging for various reasons,” Ariana, 40, reflected during a heartfelt interview with Maura Higgins on Love Island USA: Aftersun on Sunday, July 12.

Throughout its current season, Love Island USA has faced numerous scandals, including the removal of islanders Yulissa Escobar and Cierra Ortega due to resurfaced offensive comments. (Yulissa was sent home on day three in June, while Cierra was eliminated on July 6. Both have since publicly apologized for their past actions.)

“The situations surrounding the eliminated islanders have been utterly wild,” Ariana noted. “I just want them—and any islanders who have also departed the villa—to know how much I truly love and appreciate them for being so brave.”

She added, “[They] hype me up when I enter [the villa] because I always hope to bring good news, but sometimes I’m the Glam Reaper.”

When Maura assured the Love Island USA host that the islanders “definitely adore” her, Ariana responded: “The feeling is mutual.”

Earlier that Saturday, Love Island USA issued a statement on Instagram, urging fans to show “respect and kindness” toward Ariana and this year’s islanders as the finale approached on Sunday, July 13.

“Huge thanks to everyone who has tuned in for Love Island USA season 7,” the statement started. “We are excited to honor our amazing islanders during tomorrow night’s finale.”

The Love Island USA statement concluded, “Love Island thrives because of the real people who openly share their journey for love with the world. Our host [Ariana] and all islanders deserve respect and kindness for embracing this experience and the viewers. As this season wraps up, let’s show them our love and support.”

Ariana had previously urged Love Island viewers to exhibit more compassion online during an interview on Aftersun on July 6.

“I appreciate the audience’s passion, but sometimes it’s like, ‘Give them a moment to work through their conflict before you rush online and start being nasty to these Islanders,’” argued the Love Island USA host.

Ariana expressed her frustration that she had to remind the Love Island USA audience that online harassment of islanders was unacceptable.

“I can’t believe I have to keep telling people not to harass them on social media,” she told host Sophie Monk. “I don’t get why we have to keep repeating, ‘Don’t do that,’ week after week.”

Love Island USA recently included a message in a June episode when fans were particularly critical of the show’s Casa Amor islanders.

“The key theme in Love Island is… love. We love our fans. We love our islanders,” read the on-screen message. “We do not support cyberbullying, harassment, or hate.”

The season 7 finale of Love Island USA is set to air on Peacock on Sunday at 9 p.m. ET.