Overview
- Peacock named Montgomery to the Season 8 cast on May 28, and within days two videos that appeared to show her using the n‑word surfaced on social media.
- Producers removed Montgomery from the lineup before the June 2 premiere, and Peacock told NBC that she would not be included in the season.
- On June 3 Montgomery posted an Instagram Stories apology saying the clips were from her teen years, that she has educated herself, and that she takes full responsibility.
- Production altered the opening roster to keep islander numbers even, delaying Gabriel Vasconcelos’ initial entry and introducing him later as a bombshell, while the show did not address her exit on air.
- The case follows last season’s similar removals of Yulissa Escobar and Cierra Ortega and highlights a vetting gap when private social posts only surface after casting, prompting renewed scrutiny and pressure on producers to change background checks and safety protocols.