Austin Shepard is shutting down accusations that he’s racist!
The reality star is just one of many contestants who have been caught posting controversial things online prior to joining Love Island USA. Before entering the villa, he re-shared offensive, racially charged posts on his TikTok page, which also included many pro-Trump and anti-trans videos. While the content didn’t get him kicked off the show, unlike Cierra and Yulissa, it has damaged his reputation online. But he has an unusual way of trying to deny the scandal!
Related: Cierra’s Parents Break Silence Following Her Love Island USA Exit
In an Instagram video on Friday, Austin hit back at claims he’s a “racist bigot,” saying during a Q&A:
“I’m going to give this attention only one time because this is crazy. Are you f**king dumb? Like honestly, are you dumb? Do you not think?”
He then panned his camera down to his waist to show off a tattoo of a woman sipping a drink as proof the allegations are wrong, explaining:
“I have a Black woman tatted on my side. Use your head.”
What a wiiiiild way to shut down haters! OMG. See his vid (below):
Austin’s stupid ass responding to the allegations with a stupid ass response because he’s stupid #loveislandsusa #loveisland pic.twitter.com/ra8lhMeX26
— michaeljacksonsmuse (@erenslanderer) July 4, 2025
Reacting on TikTok, viewers wrote:
“It’s giving I have a black friend”
“he said a whole bunch of nothing”
“Oh lordy”
“austin saying that he’s not racist bc he has a black woman tattooed on his body (mind you, you can’t even tell she’s black anyways) like where is the logic in that
#LoveIslandUSA”
Meanwhile, others have defended his right to specific political views — though there’s certainly NO defending racism or discrimination of any kind! BTW, having a tattoo of someone doesn’t mean you can’t still have unconscious bias and/or offensive views, too! Just sayin’!
Here’s a better look at the tattoo he’s referencing, by the way, on the left side of his stomach (below):
On Saturday, the 26-year-old issued a more standard apology on his Instagram Story following his controversial actions — though it’s pretty vague. He wrote:
“I want to take a moment to address my recent repost that has caused offense to some of you. As you all know, I have a very dry sense of humor, and I genuinely didn’t think before sharing that content. It was never my intention to hurt or upset anyone. I value and respect all individuals and their perspectives.”
He continued:
“I recognize that my choice of content did not resonate well with everyone, and for that, I sincerely apologize. 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. Love you all thank you so much for an incredible experience.”
What do U think of his tattoo excuse?! Does it really prove anything? Sound OFF (below)!
[Image via Peacock]
The post <i>Love Island USA</i>’s Austin Addresses His Own Racism Allegations — By Sharing WILD Proof Why He’s Not In The Wrong! appeared first on Perez Hilton.