Unpacking Love Island USA Part 1

In part 1 of this episode of The Phoenix Cast, Violence Prevention Educator Cassandra Carmona-Wayman (she/hers/ella) is joined by Survivor Advocates Jenae McCall (they/them) and Marissa Moreno (she/hers) for a spirited conversation about Love Island USA and the relationship dynamics playing out on and off screen. Using examples from recent seasons, they explore issues including forced intimacy, consent, boundaries, and power and control. Content warnings: This episode includes discussions of interpersonal violence such as: intimate partner violence, emotional and psychological abuse, manipulation and coercive control, sexual violence and assault, sexual coercion and pressured intimacy. There are also themes addresses around victim-blaming, survivor experiences, trauma, mental health, sex work and survival sex work, and sexualized/kink-related content. Strong language is also used. Sources and Resources mentioned in the episode: Is Love Island USA Filmed in Real Time? What to Know About Production (DETAILS) Love Island USA Season 7 Week 1 Recap: Episodes 1-7 A Guide to Love Island USA Season 8, Week 1: Dumpings, Bombshells, Voting, and More! (RECAP) ‘Love Island USA’ Season 8 Power Rankings: Casa Amor’s Winners, Losers and Surprises ‘Love Island USA’ Season 7 Secrets: Missed Connections, Life in the Villa and More of What You Didn’t See on TV (Exclusive) Behind-the-scenes of Love Island: former winners dish all on the villa's best-kept secrets Are ‘Love Island USA’ Stars Allowed to Have Phones in the Villa? Behind-the-Scenes Rule Explained Can I Pull You for a Chat? A Look Into Love Island USA’s Mental Health Team  Leah Kateb Says Love Island Producers BRIBED Her With Wine in Podcast: "Leah Kateb: Life After Love Island." Not Skinny But Not Fat, August 11, 2026. ‘Love Island USA’ winners are using their $100,000 prize money to pay bills and student loans. Many Americans can relate. Leah Kateb Claims ‘Love Island USA’ Producer Lied to Her About Miguel to Create a ‘Reality TV Moment’ (Exclusive) If you are in crisis and need immediate support, please call our 24/7 interpersonal violence helpline at 303-556-2255. Request an Appointment with an Advocate at https://www.thepca.org/online-appointment-request Request a Violence Prevention Presentation at https://www.thepca.org/prevention-education Instagram @phoenixauraria