Love Island USA: TJ Palmas Social Media Controversy Sparks Outrage and Questions About Casting Standards

In the latest episode of Love Island USA, a new cast member has found himself in the midst of an online controversy. TJ Palma, a collegiate baseball player turned Airbnb "superhost," entered the villa during Season 7 Episode 15, but his arrival has left some fans feeling uneasy.

The controversy began when TikTok user Haley Metzger pointed out that TJ follows Andrew Tate on Twitter/X, a misogynistic influencer and former professional kickboxer who faced rape and human trafficking charges in Britain. Authorities also launched an investigation for similar charges in Romania. As Haley and many Love Island fans noted, following someone with those types of accusations raises serious questions about TJ's beliefs.

To make matters worse, Haley also uncovered a video from TJ's best friend, Jarret Chambers, in which he said that his buddy TJ was looking for a "submissive brown-haired woman." He also tried to justify TJ's support of the accused human trafficker by saying that he follows him for "business advice." However, it's unclear what advice a Tate brother would have to offer in the arena of being an Airbnb host.

Haley slammed the Love Island USA production for putting a guy like TJ in a villa with young women who have no idea about his true nature. "It's borderline negligence to put a guy like this in a villa with young women who have no idea the type of guy he is," she said.

Love Island USA fans have been expressing their thoughts in TJ's Instagram comments, and some even think he looks like Vice President JD Vance. The show continues every day except Wednesdays on Peacock.

So, are you surprised to learn that TJ follows Andrew Tate? Do you think Love Island casting should look for those kinds of red flags? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.