Ariana Madix fought back tears while responding to Love Island USA season 7’s numerous controversies.
“It’s been a really tough season for a lot of reasons,” Ariana, 40, admitted during an emotional interview with Maura Higgins on Love Island USA: Aftersun on Sunday, July 12.
Love Island USA has been beset with scandals throughout its current season, including the removal of islanders Yulissa Escobar and Cierra Ortega over resurfaced offensive comments. (Yulissa was removed from the Love Island USA villa on day three in June, while Cierra was sent home on July 6. Both have publicly apologized for their past conduct.)
“The islanders who were eliminated, there’s been a lot of stuff that’s just been crazy,” Ariana acknowledged. “I just want them to know, and any islander who has also left the villa this point, I just want them all to know how much I genuinely really love them and appreciate them for putting themselves out there.”
She went on, “[They] gas me up when I come in [to the villa] because I always hope that I get to bring good news but sometimes I’m the Glam Reaper.”
When Maura assured the Love Island USA host that it’s obvious that the islanders “absolutely adore” her, Ariana replied: “The feeling is mutual.”
Earlier on Saturday, Love Island USA released a new statement via Instagram to ask fans to show “respect and kindness” to Ariana and all of this year’s islanders ahead of the finale on Sunday, July 13.
“Huge thanks to everyone who has joined us for Love Island USA season 7,” the statement began. “We can’t wait to celebrate our incredible islanders in tomorrow night’s finale.”
The Love Island USA statement concluded, “Love Island exists because of the real people who share their search for love with the world. Our host [Ariana] 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.”
Ariana previously encouraged Love Island viewers to be more compassionate on social media during an interview on Aftersun on July 6.
“I love the passion of the audience, but sometimes it’s like, ‘Give them a second to resolve their argument before you just hop online and start being absolutely atrocious to these Islanders’,” the Love Island USA show host argued.
Ariana admitted she was frustrated to have to remind the Love Island USA audience that it was never OK to harass islanders via social media.
“It blows my mind that again I have to say not to harass them on the internet,” she complained to host Sophie Monk. “I don’t understand why week after week we have to keep saying, ‘Don’t do that.’”
Love Island USA previously resorted to inserting a message into a June episode when fans were particularly harsh about the show’s Casa Amor islanders.
“The keyword in Love Island is … love. We love our fans. We love our islanders,” the on-screen graphic read. “We don’t love cyberbullying, harassment or hate.”
Love Island USA’s season 7 finale airs on Peacock on Sunday at 9p.m. ET.
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