Love Island USA star Austin Shepard is clarifying his recent social media activity following accusations of racially insensitive behavior.
“I want to take a moment to address my recent repost that has caused offense to some of you,” Austin, 26, wrote via his Instagram Stories on Saturday, July 5. “As you all know, I have a very dry sense of humor, and I genuinely didn’t think before sharing that content.”
He added, “It was never my intention to hurt or upset anyone. I value and respect all individuals and their perspectives.”
Since being eliminated from the villa, Austin had sparked backlash when he shared a post that was reportedly racially insensitive. (The post has since been deleted.)
“I recognize that my choice of content did not resonate well with everyone, and for that, I sincerely apologize,” he added on Saturday. “I’m committed to learning from this experience and to being more mindful in the future. Thank you for your understanding and for holding me accountable.”
Austin concluded, “Love you all [and] thank you so much for an incredible experience.”
Austin was one of the original Islanders on season 7 of Love Island USA. He was eliminated earlier this week alongside fellow contestants Andreina Santos, TJ Palma, Gracyn Blackmore and Jaden Duggar.
After getting his phone back, Austin completed a Q&A on his Instagram Stories on Friday, July 4, where he responded to one question wondering whether he was a “racist bigot.”
“I’m going to give this attention only one time because this is, like, crazy,” Austin said in the video. “Are you f*ing dumb? Like, honestly, are you dumb? Do you not think?”
Austin appeared to deny the accusations, citing one of his tattoos as proof. “I have a Black woman tatted on my side,” he quipped. “Use your head.”
Earlier this season, his costar Yulissa Escober was removed from the villa when past racially insensitive comments she made resurfaced online. (Yulissa, 27, has since apologized for her remarks.)
Her departure was subtly addressed on the show by narrator Iain Stirling, who briefly mentioned that she had “left the villa” but did not further explain the situation.
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