Fired Love Island USA star Alannah Keyser apologizes for n-word
Former Love Island USA contestant Alannah Keyser was fired from Peacock's Season 8 after a resurfaced video showed her singing the n-word while rapping along to Roddy Ricch's 2019 hit "The Box." On Saturday, she posted a TikTok apology saying she does not support racism and that the slur is no longer in her vocabulary.
Key Takeaways
- Alannah Keyser was removed from Love Island USA Season 8 after an old video of her using a racial slur resurfaced online.
- Keyser apologized on TikTok, calling the six-year-old clip a mistake and stating she does not support racism or discrimination.
- She is the second Season 8 contestant fired over use of the n-word, following Vasana Montgomery in late May.
- Love Island USA has previously removed contestants in Season 7 for similar conduct involving racial slurs.
Why Was Alannah Keyser Fired From Love Island USA?
Peacock removed Alannah Keyser from Love Island USA after a resurfaced video circulated on social media. In the clip, Keyser raps along to Roddy Ricch's 2019 track "The Box" and sings lyrics that include the n-word. The footage drew swift backlash as viewers connected it to a pattern of racist language among recent cast members on the reality franchise.
Keyser had not yet had a full chance to appear on the show before producers cut ties. Her exit underscores how quickly old social media posts can end reality TV careers, especially on a series watched closely for casting controversies. For more updates on streaming and unscripted TV, see our Streaming & TV Alerts coverage.
What Did Alannah Keyser Say in Her Apology?
On Saturday, Keyser addressed the controversy directly on TikTok. She said she wanted to respond to material circulating online and specifically acknowledged the video of her singing along to a Roddy Ricch song that contains a racial slur.
"I'm sorry to whoever has seen that video and has been offended by it, that was never my intention," Keyser said in the post, according to Variety. She added that the video is from six years ago and that "that word is just not in my vocabulary anymore."
Keyser also stated plainly: "I do want to say directly that I do not support racism or discrimination of any kind, and I never have." She said learning about the clips online "really broke my heart" and described the situation as "a learning lesson," noting she did not get "a chance to really show my personality and who I am" on the show.
Is This the First Love Island USA Firing Over the N-Word?
No. Keyser is the second Love Island USA Season 8 contestant removed for saying the n-word. In late May, Vasana Montgomery was fired in the days leading up to the Season 8 premiere after two videos of her using the slur went viral.
The issue is not limited to the current season. During Season 7 last year, contestants Yulissa Escobar and Cierra Ortega were also caught using racial slurs and had to exit the Villa. The repeated incidents have put added scrutiny on Love Island USA casting and vetting as Peacock heads deeper into Season 8.
What Happens Next for Love Island USA Season 8?
With Keyser and Montgomery both out before or early in the season, Love Island USA continues under heightened public attention. Producers have shown little tolerance for racist language, removing contestants quickly once resurfaced footage surfaces. Keyser's apology may dampen some criticism, but her firing already stands as another high-profile exit in a franchise increasingly defined by pre-show social media scandals.