Written by Kiley Bartolozzi
Love Island USA Week 5 felt less like a dating retreat and more like a reality TV pressure cooker. Between anonymous letters, Casa Amor fallouts, friendship implosions, and one very public dumping — the villa took a turn. Heart rates weren’t the only thing rising — so were tensions, tempers, and eyebrows.
Islanders tried to pick up the pieces left by Casa Amor, though some were more successful than others. When Cierra learned that Nic had kissed her “bestie,” Olandria (we’re using that term sparingly), she bizarrely chose to let it slide. Apparently, she’s just happy Nic explored a connection … with her friend. Sure, Cierra. That makes total sense. The voice of reason, Iris noticed the weirdness: “You’re really just letting that go?” But Cierra seemed unbothered.
To Chelley’s confusion, Huda and Chris began working on their connection. Chris and Huda were still kissing and laughing like eighth graders around the fire pit, despite Chris and Chelley’s unresolved feelings for each other.
Olandria, on the other hand, persisted in pursuing Taylor as if he hadn’t made it clear where he stands with her. Someone, anyone—break the news to my girl.
The Islanders play a game called “Hearts on Fire,” a lighthearted game — NOT. This game left nothing but stains on the villa.
Islanders were hooked up with heart rate monitors as they were to attempt to increase each other’s heart rate as much as possible by doing seductive and some funny performances. Huda turned heads (and raised heart rates) both in and out of the challenge when she finished her seductive show by dancing all over Ace — in front of his girl Chelley. Chelley was not amused.
“It’s just a challenge” became the line of the week, but that didn’t stop a majority of the girls from isolating themselves from Huda. Olandria, Chelley, and Cierra became cold as Casa.
Ironically, Olandria, who had just kissed her friend’s man during Casa Amor, now felt the need to uphold morality when it came to a literal challenge. Pick a lane, girl.
Finally, Cierra and Nic got their dreamy mountaintop picnic date. They talked about Casa, confirmed their commitment, and officially closed their relationship off to other Islanders. For roughly five minutes…
Back at the villa, it was time for the “Standing on Business” challenge, which is essentially where Islanders write anonymous cutthroat letters to each other about unspoken issues. Every Islander got served:
- Austin got called out for doing the bare minimum. (Andreina admitted to writing it, and we respect her for that).
- Amaya took the biggest emotional hit when Austin, Ace, and Zak accused her of being “too emotional”— but the ladies came together in defense, as well as Bryan, who stood up for her like a true gentleman.
- Pepe admitted to missing his ex-connection (Hannah) after an anonymous letter (which turned out to be from Huda) exposed his reservations about Gracyn. Talk about laying it all on the table.
- Cierra was put on the spot when asked why she decided to send Hannah home. Her reasoning was that Hannah was lucky enough to explore two great connections. Last time we checked, so had Cierra? Hypocrisy is definitely a theme with this Islander.
- Huda was attacked by Chelley and her posse as she was confronted on being a genuine “girls’ girl” due to her performance with Ace and “stealing” Chelley’s Casa connection. Chris. America’s perspective of Huda took a turn (for the better) when she was bullied for doing the same as everyone else—playing the game and exploring her connections.
- Chris was the only Islander to defend his connection, Huda, in which he stated, “I could be overseas playing ball.” Instead, he is here working on a relationship with Huda.
In terms of friendship, Chelley at last listened to Huda and offered her an opportunity to express herself. The two hugged it out and formally repaired their friendship after clearing the air. Growth!
Meanwhile, Amaya confronts Zak for his unnecessary remarks during the challenge. She called him an “odd individual” outright, and to be honest, where’s the lie?
Hostess with the mostest, Ariana Madix, entered the villa (cue dramatic music) for another challenge, “Hate to Burst Your Bubble,” where Islanders see how in tune they are with America.
- Amaya earned the title of “America’s Favorite” after getting ranked first for almost every question! Thats my #sensitivegangsta
- Chelley was ranked towards the lowest tier in almost every category (she is shocked)
- Iris and TJ were so close to being the villa’s favorite couple. Until the public vote sent TJ packing, alongside Austin, Andreina, Jaden, and Gracyn, who received the lowest amount of “favorite Islander” votes.
Iris was devastated—TJ was Ken to her Barbie, and their relationship was just beginning. Luckily for Clarke, Ace, and Nic, their man Taylor was saved from being dumped.
Another challenge, “Crashing Out,” sparked new flames for new couples. Amaya was taken by surprise when Bryan chose her for his challenge kiss—and we’re here for it. Iris and Pepe also shared a steamy makeout sesh, and people wonder: is it finally Iris’ time to shine?
And just when we thought the dumping was over in Episode 28, Episode 30 reveals that Islander Cierra Ortega was removed from the villa for what the narrator states as a “personal issue”—this personal issue, however, is to mask the actual issue of discovered racial slurs on Cierra’s social media. The racial comments made by Ortega had been circulating the media for a week now, and Peacock decided it was finally time to do what’s right.
And just like that, it was time for a new recoupling!
- Chelley Bissainthe and Ace Greene are still working on their full commitment to each other
- Taylor Williams and Clarke Carraway remain locked in now that Olandria’s out of the picture
- Huda Mustafa and Chris Seeley: going strong!
- Amaya Espinal and Bryan Arenales: Amaya Papaya seems happy, so we approve!
- Iris Kendall and Pepe Garcia (so here for this!)
- Olandria Carthen and Nic Vansteenberghe (Nicolandria is back and better!)
As a result, Islanders Elan Bibas and Zak Srakaew were dumped from the villa, both of whom we will probably forget by next week.
