As theLove Island USAseason 7 finale approaches, simmering tensions among the cast have come to a head thanks to a particularly brutal challenge. The “stand on business” challenge forced the islanders to confront their peers, writing letters to call out their behavior in front of the group. After several long and chaotic weeks in the villa, the confrontation was needed, but it definitively shifted the cast alliances.
In theaftermath of Casa Amorand a recoupling, some of the season’s closest relationships are being tested, while others are unexpectedly stronger than ever. Nic Vansteenberghe and Cierra Ortega became closed off, while Ace Greene andChelley Bissainthebroke down after Ace’s steamy rendezvous withHuda Mustafa. Stand on business came at the perfect time as the islanders approached the end of their stay in the villa.
Austin, Ace & Zak Attacked Amaya
They Took Issue With Her Overt Affection
The most excruciating event of the night was Ace, Austin Shepard, and Zak Srakaew’s attack on Amaya Espinal. Ace revisited his complaint about Amaya from earlier in the season, when the two were a short-lived couple, about her overuse of the term “babe.”
Ace accused Amaya of coming on too strong, and he was backed up by Austin, another of Amaya’s exes.
The confrontation turned even more callous when the pair were joined by Zak Srakaew, Amaya’s current partner. As Amaya stood at the podium in tears, Zak agreed she was taking things too fast. Amaya wondered why he hadn’t brought this up in private instead of piling on when she was already under fire.
I could understand why Amaya felt overwhelmed and attacked. The challenge was clearly designed for moments like these, putting eachLove Island USAcast member in the hot seat in front of their peers. Still,it seemed particularly brutal for the men to be so hard on Amayafor something as innocent as showing affection.
Chris & Bryan Were The Champions Of The Challenge
The New Men Stood Up For The Underdogs
Surprisingly, the men who stood out for their integrity were two of the newest additions to the cast. The only person who came to Amaya’s defense was Bryan Arenales, who explained that affectionate language is very common in Latino households. As a newcomer trying to make his way into the tight clique of originals, Bryan put himself on the line for Amaya. Yet he remained calm and respectful, and it was obvious Amaya appreciated being offered a lifeline.
Similarly,Chris Seeley sacrificed his own reputation to stand up for Huda. Huda’s history in the villa has been volatile, but Chris defended his partner against yet another round of criticism, this time at the hands of the other women. Chris calmly validated Huda and confirmed his attraction to her, reminding the islanders that with a successful basketball career, he has no reason to fake his feelings to secure a place on the show.
Chris and Bryan haven’t had a big presence yet onLove Island USA, but this challenge showed me everything I needed to know. They both went out of their way to stand up for what was right, and by doing so, they made the other men look even worse.
Chelley Lost Her Position As The Villa’s Sweetheart
Her Attack On Huda Was Baseless
Chelley has long been aLove Island USAfan favorite, but the tides changed as her relationship with Ace evolved. The couple hit a rough patch after Casa Amor, when Chelley expressed interest in exploring her connection with Chris. But she didn’t extend Ace the same freedom after his risqué interaction with Huda during the last challenge.
Chelley used the challenge to put Huda on the spot, accusing her of stealing Chris and disrespecting her relationship with Ace. Fortunately, Chris confirmed that Huda encouraged him to explore with Chelley. Huda pointed out that Chelley and Ace were still open, making the betrayal Chelley described impossible. Chelley’s ruthless attack on Huda made me view her in a new light, and it’s likely the aftermath has otherLove Island USAfans rethinking their support of her.
