Credit: Ben Symons/Peacock
Love Island USA just wrapped its eighth season with contestants Bryce Dettloff, 30, and Trinity Tatum, 22, winning the big $100,000 prize.
In the wake of her big win, Trinity took to social media to issue a statement defending contestant Zach Georgiou, who was best friends with Bryce.
Due to her words defending him, Trinity has received a lot of pushback. Some fans wanted to know why she wasn’t defending KC Chandler as well, who some feel has been unfairly villainized after he decided to dump Aniya Harvey to pursue a relationship with Tierra Davis.
“Coming out the villa one I want to say I’m very blessed and appreciative of the love & support everyone has given me,” Trinity stated on social media. “With that being said I wanna say the hate & ignorant comments some of you guys are doing regarding Zach is absolutely not okay and needs to stop.”
“It’s very disheartening, and we are people just like everyone else,” she added. “We genuinely have love for each other inside and out of the villa and he’s one of the most amazing people I’ve met, so please have some empathy.”
When @theshaderoomteens‘ Instagram account shared Trinity’s post, people immediately flocked to the comments to criticize her.
“The issue isn’t that she’s defending Zach. They’re friends, so that’s understandable,” one person wrote. “The problem is that all of the islanders are receiving an immense amount of hate right now (including the girls). It would’ve come across much better if she had put out a general statement asking people to stop sending hate to everyone, rather than focusing on just one person.”
“Do I think Zach would’ve done the same for her? Absolutely not. But hey… here we are. 😂,” they added.
Another person took Trinity to task for being “specific on who shouldn’t receive hate” rather than issuing a blanket statement.
“Meanwhile KC [Chandler] and Tierra [Davis] comments are full with hate comments and threats… her statement should have been against bullying period not just Zach …it gives you only care if it’s happening to your friend I know they have heard or seen the comments under KC and Tierra page…this was weird,” another commenter wrote.
“KC comments are brutal ☹️ hoping they make a statement on his behalf as well. Also this is a SHOW…y’all take stuff too seriously to threaten others…” shared another fan.
“BUT NOTHING FOR KC AND TIERRA!!??” a fourth person chimed in.
A fifth person wrote, “But the hate to KC is ok? Hmm, very interesting…”
Aside from commenting on Zach, Trinity shared her thoughts on winning on the Love Island finale episode, noting she was “overwhelmed.”
“I never would’ve expected in a million years that I’d be in this position right now. … I’m grateful that he chose me to be his partner, inside of here and outside,” she added on Bryce.