Love Island USA reunion drama
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Here’s everything that went down at the very chaotic Love Island USA reunion

The full unedited heart rate challenge footage was finally released

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ByHelen Williams

26th August 2025, 12:10
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The Love Island USA reunion was nothing short of explosive, delivering all the drama, heartbreak, and jaw-dropping moments fans were hoping for. From shocking confessions to unexpected throwbacks, the reunion had viewers glued to their screens as the season seven Islanders hashed out their messy relationships. Let’s take our focus away from Nic’s no-shirt suit for a moment, and some of the guys’ eyebrow styling… Here’s a breakdown of all the other chaos that went down. Let’s get unpacking!

Bryan, Amaya and *those* rumours

The same day the reunion was due to air, Bryan Arenales and Amaya Espinal had split rumours circulating thanks to their Instagram activity. The reunion opened with the season seven winners addressing rumours of infidelity. Bryan admitted to a “lapse in judgment” during a paid hosting event, where he was recorded with other women. He clarified that he was bartending and serving drinks, not engaging in inappropriate behaviour. Amaya defended their relationship, stating: “I’m also not a woman that would be with someone who doesn’t respect me.” Despite their public assurances, both had unfollowed each other on Instagram hours before the reunion aired, leading fans to speculate big time!

Huda’s heart rate challenge fallout

A previously unseen segment from the heart rate challenge resurfaced, showing Huda Mustafa‘s racy performance. The footage reignited discussions about her behaviour in the villa. Huda acknowledged that she might have gone “too far” but emphasised that she had moved on from the incident. The revelation added fuel to ongoing debates about her post-show conduct and the impact of her actions on other islanders. Andy Cohen was pretty shady towards Huda when she said she’d been working on herself post-show. He was quick to point out that it would only have been a month’s worth of “self-improvement.”

Jeremiah and Ace confronted the past

Jeremiah Brown and Ace Green, both central figures in this Love Island USA season’s drama, faced off during the reunion. Jeremiah presented a 37-page document to defend his actions, particularly concerning allegations of “love bombing.” He clarified his intentions and sought to clear his name. Ace, on the other hand, admitted to being “very vocal” during the villa’s controversies but denied being the one everyone can pin the blame on entirely. The confrontation gave us all some clarity on their strained relationship and the dynamics that led to Jeremiah’s elimination.

Chelley, Olandria, and Huda’s relationship

Tensions among Chelley Bissainthe, Olandria Carthen, and Huda came to a head during the reunion. Chelley expressed feeling betrayed by Huda’s actions in the villa, particularly regarding the elimination of Hannah Fields. Olandria shared her experiences of harassment and the lack of support from Huda during racism accusations. Huda admitted that she should have used a different term than “bully” when reflecting on her experiences, but maintained that she had moved on from the situation.

Iris and Pepe’s relationship update

Speaking on their relationship post-show, Iris Kendall said at the reunion that she thought the two were “going in a good direction.” But, Pepe said their romance was kind of under a “magnifying glass,” given their stardom. It would make sense that people thought their segment was kinda awkward. They’re another duo who unfollowed each other the same day the reunion aired!

Couples’ Post-Villa Updates

The reunion also provided updates on the relationships of other finalists. Nic Vansteenberghe and Olandria Carthen, the runners-up, confirmed they are still together and taking their relationship slowly, focusing on personal growth. Chelley and Ace, the last couple eliminated before the finale, remain exclusive but not officially a couple yet, although both expressed they are in love. Ace hinted at planning a formal proposal to make their relationship official. When it comes to Huda’s relationship status, she said she was unable to speak on it at the reunion. Andy seemed pretty fuming that Huda wouldn’t open up as she replied: “Legal reasons, it’s Netflix… I’m not allowed to talk about it.”

Andy queried: “Netflix won’t let you say if you’re dating someone? You were on a red carpet, I think, with someone? Was that someone that you’re seeing?” And Huda kept tight-lipped, replying: “I’m not allowed to speak on it, I’m so sorry.” Andy quipped back: “Tell Netflix this was the number one streaming show of the summer.”

Taylor got a round of applause

Addressing some of the romances that didn’t work out in the villa, ahem, Nic and Cierra Ortega, and Taylor Williams and Olandria, Taylor actually bagged himself a round of applause. He shared a heartfelt apology with Olandria, and said it was “the right time in front of everybody…” adding: “We grew so close… you’re still my dog…” before Ace said: “Shall we clap?” and everyone celebrated the moment.

Hannah broke down in tears

Unseen footage of the moment the other girls voted for Hannah to be sent home was shown during the reunion. Upon seeing it, Hannah broke down in tears and said: “I just need a second.” She sobbed on screen, and said: “It hurts. But I understand. It feels better to know now, I guess the explanation, because I think that’s what I struggled with a lot. I just felt that there was so many unanswered questions.”

Olandria on *that* unfollowing

A pivotal moment during the reunion was Olandria’s explanation of why she unfollowed Huda on Instagram. Olandria revealed that after leaving the villa, she thought that Huda would publish a post to address the racism and hate she was receiving online. However, Huda failed to do so, even after promising she would. Olandria expressed her hurt, stating: “Your face was not plastered on f**ing George Floyd’s body. Mine was, and I told you that. That sh** hurts.” She emphasized that Huda’s inaction during that critical time was a significant betrayal, leading to her decision to cut ties. Olandria wished her “well from a distance.”

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