Love Island USA: Girls Accused of Shaming Gabriel for His Promiscuous Past
The Love Island USA contestants faced accusations of “slut-shaming” Gabriel Vasconcelos following a contentious elimination.
In the episode airing on Friday, June 19, the men questioned the women’s choice to send Gabriel home, despite his connection with Jen Terry. Their explanation only sparked further conflict within the villa.
“They’re essentially saying, ‘We think Gabe is a f***boy,’” Zach Georgiou remarked to the other guys.
Bryce Alakai Dettloff concurred, stating, “Just because he is promiscuous doesn’t mean he’s incapable of loving someone. That’s the worst kind of slut-shaming I’ve ever witnessed.”
Gabriel’s departure prompted backlash offscreen after a group vote. Host Ariana Madix felt compelled to address viewer allegations of a rigged voting process.
After Caleb McDaniel and Sol Dean weren’t named a top couple in the episode on Thursday, June 18 — despite online campaigns supporting them — the 40-year-old host responded on Instagram. “Unfortunately, they were not in the top 4,” Ariana commented on a post that expressed dissatisfaction with the show. She also “liked” a comment asserting that “legally” production “can’t tamper with results,” countering the rampant speculation online.
This isn’t the first time Ariana has intervened to dispel rumors. In June 2025, she addressed claims that the show was “rigged,” stating in an interview with The Wrap, “People can have their opinions on the show, but don’t start inventing conspiracies.”
She further denied rumors that Islanders entered the villa with a strategy to win.
“While someone might try to strategize while they’re there, maintaining that facade 24/7 is nearly impossible,” she explained. “It’s just hard to keep that up all the time.”
Ariana urged viewers to express their preferences by voting, noting, “If America feels strongly about certain Islanders, they do get a say. If someone tries to overly strategize, and finds themselves in the bottom, they’ll realize, ‘Wait, oh.’”
New episodes of Love Island USA are released six days a week, excluding Wednesdays, on Peacock.
Join Us Weekly and Bracketology.tv in our first-ever Love Island USA fantasy league! This is your opportunity to predict the Season 8 winner and rank the Islanders weekly based on your confidence in their survival through eliminations. Compete against our editors, enjoy exclusive content, and stand a chance to win prizes. Sign up for free today!
