As the much-anticipated season 7 finale of “Love Island USA” approaches, the show is urging fans to extend kindness and respect to the cast. Host Ariana Madix emphasized this message in a heartfelt statement, encouraging viewers to celebrate the islanders who have shared their journey in the quest for love. The finale is set to air on Sunday, July 13, and comes after a season filled with both excitement and controversy.
Throughout its seventh season, “Love Island USA” has faced challenges, including the removal of islanders Cierra Ortega and Yulissa Escobar due to resurfaced offensive social media posts. These incidents sparked intense discussions online, leading to the show’s appeal for a more positive dialogue.
In an Instagram post shared on July 12, the “Love Island USA” team expressed gratitude to the fans who have supported the show. The statement read, “Huge thanks to everyone who has joined us for Love Island USA season 7. We can’t wait to celebrate our incredible islanders in tomorrow night’s finale.” The message highlighted the importance of showing respect for the real people behind the characters and stories presented on screen.
Ariana Madix, who has been a vocal advocate for the islanders, addressed the negativity directed towards the cast during the July 6 episode of the companion show “Aftersun.” She acknowledged the passion of the audience but urged fans to remember the impact of their words. “I love the passion of the audience, but sometimes it’s like, ‘Give them a break,’” she stated, reminding everyone that the show is about love and connection.
The statement from “Love Island USA” further emphasized the need for compassion: “Love Island exists because of the real people who share their search for love with the world. Our host and all islanders deserve respect and kindness for opening their hearts to the experience and viewers everywhere. As this season comes to a close, let’s show them our love and support.”
This call for kindness is not the first from the show; earlier in the season, a message was broadcast during the June 24 episode, urging viewers to refrain from harassment and cyberbullying. The graphic displayed during the episode stated, “The keyword in Love Island is … love. We love our fans. We love our islanders. We don’t love cyberbullying, harassment or hate.”
The controversies surrounding the season have been significant. Yulissa Escobar was removed from the villa shortly after filming began in June, following the emergence of clips where she used racial slurs on a podcast. She later issued a public apology, expressing regret for her words and acknowledging the hurt they caused.
Cierra Ortega also faced backlash after a past social media post resurfaced, leading to her exit from the villa on July 6. Her friends defended her, stating that the response from fans had gone too far, with threats and harassment directed toward her family. Cierra expressed her remorse on Instagram, stating, “I wish I would have never said that. It is what it is. I can’t go back in time. I am sorry that I said that word.” She pleaded with fans not to involve her family in the backlash, highlighting the emotional toll it has taken on them.
As the season finale approaches, the cast and crew of “Love Island USA” are hopeful for a celebration filled with positivity and support. The finale promises to showcase the growth and connections formed throughout the season, reminding viewers of the show’s core message: love.
With the finale airing on Peacock at 9 p.m. ET, fans are encouraged to tune in and celebrate the journey of the islanders. As the season comes to a close, the emphasis on kindness and respect serves as a crucial reminder of the impact of words, both online and offline. The “Love Island USA” team hopes that fans will join them in fostering a supportive environment for all participants, recognizing the vulnerability involved in sharing their stories on such a public platform.
In conclusion, as the excitement builds for the “Love Island USA” season 7 finale, the call for kindness resonates deeply within the community of fans. The journey of the islanders is a testament to the complexities of love, relationships, and personal growth, and it is essential to approach these narratives with empathy and understanding. As viewers prepare to watch the finale, let’s remember to uplift and support those who bravely shared their experiences with the world.
