Vasana Montgomery, a contestant who was removed from the upcoming season of *Love Island USA*, has issued an apology following the resurfacing of videos showing her using a racial slur.

Montgomery was pulled from the cast three days before the season 8 premiere after social media posts alleging her use of the N-word came to light.

In an Instagram Stories post on Wednesday, June 3, Montgomery, 25, addressed the controversy.

"I want to address a couple videos from my teen years that have recently resurfaced," she wrote.

"In those videos, I used a racial slur.

There is no excuse for it, and I am deeply sorry.

I am embarrassed and disappointed by my words." This development is significant as it marks a direct response from Montgomery to the allegations that led to her removal from a high-profile reality television show.

Montgomery emphasized her accountability, stating, "I take full responsibility for what I said and understand why it has hurt and upset people." She also noted personal growth since the videos were filmed, explaining that she has educated herself to "listen, learn, and better understand the impact that language can have."

While acknowledging her growth, Montgomery clarified that it does not erase her past mistake.

"That growth does not erase my mistake, and I am not asking anyone to excuse it," she wrote.

She expressed belief in accountability for actions, as well as in the capacity for "growth, learning, and becoming better." Montgomery concluded her statement by offering a direct apology: "To anyone I hurt or disappointed, I am truly sorry."

This incident is not isolated within the *Love Island USA* franchise.

Two contestants from season 7, Yulissa Escobar and Cierra Ortega, were also removed or exited the show due to past usage of racial slurs.

Escobar was taken off the show after videos surfaced of her using the N-word, while Ortega's past use of racial slurs targeting Chinese people led to her departure.

Both individuals subsequently issued apologies on Instagram.