“Love Island” star Austin Shepard is getting actual about his battle with habit. Throughout a podcast look, the 27-year-old opened up about relapsing whereas filming the present’s spin-off, “Past the Villa.”
Austin Shepard isn’t any stranger to the highlight, as he was additionally the focus throughout the newest season of “Love Island” after netizens referred to as him out for reportedly sharing offensive content material.
Austin Shepard Relapsed Whereas Filming The ‘Love Island’ Spin-Off
Peacock | Ben Symons
Shepard revealed that he was 11 days sober on the “Beforehand On” podcast by TMZ. The “Love Island” alum shared that earlier than reaching that time, he relapsed through the use of opioids whereas filming season 2 of the present’s spin-off, “Past the Villa.”
“Nobody knew,” he shared. “I’m a fairly manipulative, useful addict till it turns into so unmanageable—like the way it bought. However I can bullsh-t for some time.”
Shepard likened himself to a “salesman,” including that he tends to “wave and faux all the pieces is OK.”
Austin Shepard Revealed His Co-Stars Seen A Change In His Conduct
Elsewhere, throughout his look on the podcast, Shepard confirmed like to his co-stars, who seen the truth star’s demeanor had modified whereas filming “Past the Villa.”
“Charlie began reaching out within the final month and was like, ‘Bro what’s occurring?’” he stated. “I simply bought fairly actual with him, simply telling him just about all the pieces. He’s been wishing me love, giving me love. Identical with TJ, Iris. They’ve been sending me love.”
Shepard additionally bought actual in regards to the difficulties he’s confronted whereas managing his sobriety.
“I understand how this street goes,” he stated. “I’ve had loads of pals who aren’t right here at present which have sadly handed from it and it’s both demise or an extended lifetime of distress.”
“That was my second of readability, lastly,” he stated.
Austin Shepard Sought Skilled Assist
For Shepard, gaining readability was simply one of many issues that helped him cope with his battle. He additionally admitted to searching for skilled assist at one other level throughout his journey.
“There was one night time the place I used to be sitting there, I used to be simply going loopy,” he stated. “I hadn’t slept in 4 nights. I used to be very sick. Simply puking. It was horrible. I used to be like, ‘I must go someplace, medically.’”
The power Shepard checked into gave him glorious care, he stated, including that the assist of his members of the family has helped strengthen him.
Shepard Confronted Backlash After Sharing Controversial Posts
You completely can not predict what he’s about to say. #LoveIslandUSA pic.twitter.com/R7HV3qQ8UO
— Nick (@aftersunfilm) July 4, 2025
In line with a earlier report from The BlastShepard confronted backlash from the “Love Island” viewers in the summertime of 2025 after he reportedly shared offensive content material on his social media channels.
“I need to take a second to handle my latest repost that has induced offense to a few of you,” he wrote on-line. “As you all know, I’ve a really dry humorousness, and I genuinely didn’t suppose earlier than sharing that content material.”
Shepard had been beneath fireplace all through his keep within the “Love Island” villa, as eagle-eyed social media sleuths referred to as the truth star out for his earlier posts earlier than becoming a member of the forged.
“I acknowledge that my alternative of content material didn’t resonate properly with everybody, and for that, I sincerely apologize,” Shepard shared. “I’m dedicated to studying from this expertise and to being extra aware sooner or later. Thanks in your understanding and for holding me accountable.”
Days earlier than his apology, Shepard made headlines after responding to a social media person who branded the Michigan alum a “racist bigot.”
“I’m going to provide this consideration just one time as a result of that is, like, loopy,” Shepard stated in response. “Are you f-cking dumb? Like, actually, are you dumb? Do you not suppose?”
One other ‘Love Island’ Star Walks Again Controversial Submit
Peacock | Ben Symons
Shepard wasn’t the one “Love Island” star in scorching water. A earlier report from The Blast states that Yulissa Escobar, who additionally appeared in season 7 of the competitors collection, was booted from the present in the course of the second episode after previous clips of her utilizing a racial slur resurfaced.
On-line, Escobar tried to come clean with her errors, sharing that she beforehand used the N-word whereas “not absolutely understanding the burden, historical past, or ache behind it.”
Escobar went on to say that whereas she meant no hurt, she started to grasp how critical her phrases have been after being dismissed from the collection.
“I’ve modified loads since then, not simply in how I communicate, however in how I present up, how I carry myself, and the way I honor the experiences of others,” Escobar continued. “Progress means recognizing while you have been improper, even when it’s uncomfortable, and selecting to maneuver ahead with humility and accountability.”