Love Island USA Urges Fans to Stop Online Hate: ‘They’re Real People’

Love Island USA, now deep into its seventh season, has stepped in to confront a growing problem—online harassment targeting its cast members. Amid record-breaking popularity and social media buzz, the show issued a public reminder this week: Be kind. These are real people.

Contestants Face Rising Online Abuse

The warning came after a surge of hateful comments and personal attacks, particularly after recent eliminations and the arrival of new cast members. Show host Ariana Madix addressed the issue directly in an aftershow, telling fans:
“Don’t be contacting people’s families. Don’t be doxing people. Don’t be going on islanders’ pages and saying rude things.”

Peacock aired a message during a recent episode stating, “We love our fans. We love our Islanders. We don’t love cyberbullying, harassment or hate.”

On social media, the show echoed this message, writing, “Please just remember they’re real people — so let’s be kind and spread the love.”

Real Lives, Real Impact

The criticism isn’t just digital—it’s deeply personal. Noah Sheline, who shares a daughter with contestant Huda Mustafa, took to TikTok to plead for compassion.

“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,” he said. “I don’t want my daughter’s mom to come back and see this and have her mental health spiral.”

While cast members are cut off from social media during filming, the consequences often hit them hard once the season ends.

Antisemitic Backlash Sparks Concern

The situation escalated further when Elan Bibas, a Jewish contestant from Ontario, faced antisemitic attacks online. Viewers accused him of being an Israeli soldier and labeled him a “threat” after he shared a kiss with Huda Mustafa, who is of Palestinian descent.

The Anti-Defamation League responded publicly, calling the harassment “blatantly antisemitic.” They condemned the accusations and reminded audiences that Bibas is being unfairly villainized.

A Wider Pattern in Reality TV

Unfortunately, Love Island isn’t alone. Stars of The Bachelor, including Rachel Lindsay—the first Black bachelorette—have also spoken about relentless online hate. In 2020, Lindsay read shocking real messages aloud during a segment on cyberbullying.

And the problem extends beyond reality dating shows. In 2024, fans of Netflix’s Baby Reindeer were so relentless in identifying real-life figures behind characters that one woman ended up suing the platform, claiming she faced harassment due to internet speculation.

When Entertainment Crosses a Line

Love Island USA’s producers have made it clear: engaging with the show doesn’t mean you get a free pass to attack its participants.

As the show reminds us, “The keyword in Love Island is… Love.”

What do you think—should reality shows do more to protect their cast members from online hate?

More…

• https://www.cbc.ca/news/entertainment/love-island-cyberbullying-1.7571392
• https://deadline.com/2025/06/love-island-usa-warning-viewers-negative-discourse-online-1236441835
• https://www.eonline.com/news/1419118/love-island-usa-issues-cyberbullying-disclaimer