On Instagram, Austin Shepard, who was just lately dumped from the “Love Island” villa after failing to kind a long-lasting connection after 5 weeks in Fiji, issued an apology for sharing an offensive submit on his social media accounts.
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‘Love Island USA’ Contestant Points An Apology To The Fandom After Sharing An Offensive Submit On-line
“I need to take a second to handle my current repost that has triggered offense to a few of you,” Shepard, 26, wrote in his Instagram Tales on Saturday, July 5. “As you all know, I’ve a really dry humorousness, and I genuinely didn’t suppose earlier than sharing that content material.”
Though “Love Island” contestants are minimize off from the skin world whereas they’re contained in the villa, Shepard has been underneath hearth from the fandom since he was introduced as a part of the solid in late Might 2025.
Earlier than the primary episode even aired, on-line sleuths discovered Shepard’s TikTok accounts, which allegedly featured racially charged content material.
After being dumped from the villa on the July 3 episode, Shepard reportedly shared one other problematic submit, sparking extra outrage.
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Shepard ‘Sincerely’ Apologizes To ‘Love Island’ Followers
“I acknowledge that my alternative of content material didn’t resonate effectively with everybody, and for that, I sincerely apologize,” Shepard added in his apology submit. “I’m dedicated to studying from this expertise and to being extra conscious sooner or later. Thanks on your understanding and for holding me accountable.”
He completed, “Love you all [and] thanks a lot for an unimaginable expertise.”
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‘Love Island’ Contestant Implies He is Not Racist As a result of Of A Particular Tattoo
Shepard’s apology additionally comes simply days after the fact star issued a separate, passionate assertion after a fan requested him whether or not he was a “racist bigot.”
“I’m going to present this consideration just one time as a result of that is, like, loopy,” Shepard replied. “Are you f-cking dumb? Like, truthfully, are you dumb? Do you not suppose?”
Later, Shepard implied he could not be racist as a result of he had a particular tattoo, stating, “I’ve a Black lady tatted on my aspect.”
“Use your head,” he completed.
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Shepard’s Current Submit Attracts Blended Reactions From Viewers
that is the primary love island episode i walked away smiling. austin gone! amaya realizing the general public loves her and chelly and ace getting dragged within the recreation #loveislandsusa pic.twitter.com/LoiaugJuyh
— PR MANAGER OF THE TWISTED TV SERIES (@brookerubys) July 4, 2025
On Reddit, many customers questioned whether or not Shepard’s apology was honest, contemplating it used “the identical PR buzzwords” as one other contestant, Yulissa Escobar, who was dumped from the island on day two for utilizing a racial slur earlier than showing on the present.
One other consumer slammed Shepard for not taking accountability for his actions, writing, “I might even have extra respect if they only owned as much as how they felt.”
They added, “They’re solely apologizing as a result of they get caught. That is all it ever is. No person is ever actually ‘sorry.’
A 3rd consumer, nonetheless, confirmed compassion for Shepard, asking the “Love Island” subreddit, “What can be sufficient of an apology from Austin to get you to cease dogpiling them?”
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“They’re getting demise threats and infinite harassment from hundreds of individuals,” the consumer continued. “Sure, the racially insensitive reposts are unhealthy. Sure, they need to apologize. What else would you like them to do, although? The bullying these solid members are going by means of is legitimately insane.”
And that viewer is not the one one with these emotions. In June 2025, producers had issued a number of warnings to viewers, urging them to be conscious of what they share on-line concerning the islanders.
“Please simply bear in mind they’re actual folks, so let’s be type and unfold the love,” the message learn.
Shepard Is The Second Contestant To Concern An Apology Over Earlier Statements
Escobar additionally acquired the same response from followers as soon as customers found she had used the N-word a number of instances whereas showing on completely different podcasts.
After being slammed by followers who requested her elimination, Escobar was quietly dumped from the villa on the second day.
Escobar finally issued an apology of her personal, explaining she did not perceive “the burden, historical past, or ache behind” the phrase.
She continued, “I wasn’t making an attempt to be offensive or dangerous, however I acknowledge now that intention doesn’t excuse affect. And the affect of that phrase is actual. It’s tied to generations of trauma, and it isn’t mine to make use of.”
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“I’ve modified quite a bit since then, not simply in how I converse, however in how I present up, how I carry myself, and the way I honor the experiences of others,” Escobar continued. “Development means recognizing if you had been incorrect, even when it’s uncomfortable, and selecting to maneuver ahead with humility and accountability.”
