‘Love Island’ Star Issues Apology After Fan Backlash Over Offensive Post

On Instagram, Austin Shepard, who was recently dumped from the “Love Island” villa after failing to form an enduring connection after five weeks in Fiji, issued an apology for sharing an offensive post on his social media accounts.

“I would like to take a moment to deal with my recent repost that has caused offense to a few of you,” Shepard, 26, wrote in his Instagram Stories on Saturday, July 5. “As you all know, I actually have a really dry humorousness, and I genuinely didn’t think before sharing that content.”

Although “Love Island” contestants are cut off from the surface world while they’re contained in the villa, Shepard has been under fire from the fandom since he was announced as a part of the solid in late May 2025.

Before the primary episode even aired, online sleuths found Shepard’s TikTok accounts, which allegedly featured racially charged content.

After being dumped from the villa on the July 3 episode, Shepard reportedly shared one other problematic post, sparking more outrage.

“I recognize that my alternative of content didn’t resonate well with everyone, and for that, I sincerely apologize,” Shepard added in his apology post. “I’m committed to learning from this experience and to being more mindful in the longer term. Thanks in your understanding and for holding me accountable.”

He finished, “Love you all [and] thanks a lot for an incredible experience.”

Shepard’s apology also comes just days after the fact star issued a separate, passionate statement after a fan asked him whether he was a “racist bigot.”

“I’m going to present this attention just one time because that is, like, crazy,” Shepard replied. “Are you f-cking dumb? Like, truthfully, are you dumb? Do you not think?”

Later, Shepard implied he couldn’t be racist because he had a selected tattoo, stating, “I actually have a Black woman tatted on my side.”

“Use your head,” he finished.

On Reddit, many users questioned whether Shepard’s apology was sincere, considering it used “the identical PR buzzwords” as one other contestant, Yulissa Escobar, who was dumped from the island on day two for using a racial slur before appearing on the show.

One other user slammed Shepard for not taking accountability for his actions, writing, “I’d even have more respect if they only owned as much as how they felt.”

They added, “They’re only apologizing because they get caught. That is all it ever is. No person is ever really ‘sorry.’

A 3rd user, nonetheless, showed compassion for Shepard, asking the “Love Island” subreddit, “What can be enough of an apology from Austin to get you to stop dogpiling them?”

“They’re getting death threats and countless harassment from 1000’s of individuals,” the user continued. “Yes, the racially insensitive reposts are bad. Yes, they need to apologize. What else do you wish them to do, though? The bullying these solid members are going through is legitimately insane.”

And that viewer is not the just one with those feelings. In June 2025, producers had issued multiple warnings to viewers, urging them to be mindful of what they share online in regards to the islanders.

“Please just remember they’re real people, so let’s be kind and spread the love,” the message read.

Escobar also received an analogous response from fans once users discovered she had used the N-word multiple times while appearing on different podcasts.

After being slammed by fans who requested her removal, Escobar was quietly dumped from the villa on the second day.

Escobar eventually issued an apology of her own, explaining she didn’t understand “the burden, history, or pain behind” the word.

She continued, “I wasn’t attempting to be offensive or harmful, but I recognize now that intention doesn’t excuse impact. And the impact of that word is real. It’s tied to generations of trauma, and it will not be mine to make use of.”

“I’ve modified rather a lot since then, not only in how I speak, but in how I show up, how I carry myself, and the way I honor the experiences of others,” Escobar continued. “Growth means recognizing if you were unsuitable, even when it’s uncomfortable, and selecting to maneuver forward with humility and accountability.”