Love Island USA’s Belle‑A Slams Nic: ‘Cared More About What Was Beneath My Clothes’

A shock elimination

At the first recoupling of Love Island USA Season 7, Belle‑A Walker found herself blindsided when her partner, Nic Vansteenberghe, abruptly ditched her for newcomer Cierra Ortega—even after assuring Belle‑A she had nothing to worry about moments earlier .

Mixed messages and hidden depths

In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, the 22‑year‑old revealed her frustration:

“That boy reassured me up and down… And then what did he do? He sent me packing…”.

She criticized Nic for focusing only on her physical appeal rather than valuing deeper connection:“He was more interested in seeing what was beneath my clothes and not beneath my surface.”

A story cut short on screen

Belle‑A expressed disappointment in how the show edited their storyline. She says much of their emotional bond was omitted, while Nic and Cierra’s moments were flaunted. The romantic connection between Nic & Cierra, especially in the photo booth shortly before her elimination, was given airtime—yet Belle‑A’s chemistry with Nic remained largely hidden.

 Standing er ground

Before exiting the villa, Belle‑A delivered a powerful farewell speech:“My heart is the prettiest thing about me… I’m an investment, and you’re not going to see the return on me the first day.”

Her refusal to kiss on the first day also stood out, inspiring fans and a petition with over 40,000 signatures demanding her return.

A rerouted romance

In a follow-up PEOPLE interview, Belle‑A admitted she regrets not exploring a deeper bond with islander Taylor, who consistently supported her with gestures like making coffee and emotional attention .

Why it matters

Authenticity matters: Belle‑A’s insistence on emotional integrity—both on and off camera—resonates with audiences.

Editing shapes perceptions: Villa drama is often skewed by editors, and Belle‑A’s story underscores how narrative framing can affect contestant portrayal.

Fans crave substance: The groundswell of fan support highlights a growing desire for authentic connections beyond first impressions.