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

On Instagram, Austin Shepard, who was not too long ago dumped from the “Love Island” villa after failing to type an enduring connection after 5 weeks in Fiji, issued an apology for sharing an offensive submit on his social media accounts.

“I wish to take a second to handle my latest repost that has precipitated 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 assume earlier than sharing that content material.”

Though “Love Island” contestants are lower off from the skin world whereas they’re contained in the villa, Shepard has been beneath fireplace from the fandom since he was introduced as a part of the forged 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.

“I acknowledge that my selection of content material didn’t resonate properly 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 aware 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.”

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 assume?”

Later, Shepard implied he could not be racist as a result of he had a particular tattoo, stating, “I’ve a Black girl tatted on my facet.”

“Use your head,” he completed.

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 simply 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 one is ever actually ‘sorry.’

A 3rd consumer, nevertheless, 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?”

“They’re getting loss of life threats and infinite harassment from 1000’s of individuals,” the consumer continued. “Sure, the racially insensitive reposts are dangerous. Sure, they need to apologize. What else would you like them to do, although? The bullying these forged members are going via 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 aware of what they share on-line in regards to the islanders.

“Please simply keep in mind they’re actual folks, so let’s be form and unfold the love,” the message learn.