'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,/9j/2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj/2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj/wAARCAAIAAoDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFgABAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAUH/8QAHhAAAQMFAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQIDBAAFERIhEzH/xAAVAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACA//EABkRAAIDAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAECAAMRIf/aAAwDAQACEQMRAD8AxuHItTVp9VRybi0v0S4oghSdgnUA8+EnOPoFTZbJMt7GVDdXQTg9pShYirnJYEsTs//Z'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
The Love Island USA season 7 reunion wasn’t just messy because of exes; it turned into a showdown between Andy Cohen and Netflix. The chaos kicked off when Huda flat-out refused to spill on her love life, saying Netflix wouldn’t let her. Cohen’s jaw nearly hit the floor, clearly baffled that the streaming giant could muzzle contestants at their own reunion.
Normally, these specials are all about tying up loose ends: who’s still together, who’s not speaking, and who’s still subtweeting. Instead, viewers got Cohen vs. contracts, and it was just as dramatic as any villa love triangle.
The real spark came when Cohen grilled Huda about rumors she was seeing Too Hot to Handle star Louis Russell. She dodged every question, and Cohen only pushed harder, highlighting Netflix’s “hush-hush” policy versus the anything-goes chaos fans are used to on network TV.
The spat instantly blew up online, with fans joking that Cohen found the one thing tougher than wrangling reality stars: wrangling streaming rights.
What happened during the Love Island USA reunion?
Cohen began questioning Huda about her relationship status following reports of her connection with Louis Russell during the Love Island USA reunion. She immediately shut down the conversation, explaining that legal restrictions prevented her from discussing personal relationships.
"I can't speak about my relationships outside the villa," Huda stated firmly.
The Bravo host appeared incredulous at this level of control. He asked directly whether Netflix truly forbade contestants from confirming their dating status. Cohen's surprise suggested such restrictions were unusual compared to his experience with other reality shows.
Despite Huda's clear boundaries, Cohen continued probing for information. He referenced her red carpet appearances with Russell, hoping to extract details without directly violating the alleged restrictions. His persistent questioning demonstrated his frustration with the situation.
Cohen eventually delivered a pointed message to the streaming service on Love Island USA.
"Tell Netflix this was the number one streaming show of the summer," he declared.
The streaming platform responded to Cohen's criticism with humor rather than explanation. Netflix changed its Twitter bio to "DON'T @ ME IDK!!!" shortly after the reunion aired. This playful response acknowledged the controversy without addressing the underlying policy concerns.
The lighthearted social media reaction suggested Netflix wasn't taking Cohen's complaints seriously. The company avoided engaging with his substantive criticisms about cast member restrictions and content control. Huda's relationship restrictions involve her rumored connection with Louis Russell from Netflix's Too Hot to Handle. The pair was first photographed holding hands in July, sparking dating speculation among reality TV fans.
Their romance became more public through red carpet appearances and social media posts. They attended the Weapons premiere together and have soft-launched their relationship on TikTok. However, neither has officially confirmed their dating status due to the alleged Netflix restrictions.
Andy Cohen’s history with Netflix
This isn't Cohen's first criticism of Netflix's reality TV approach. In 2023, he called the streaming service's attempt to broadcast Love Is Blind's reunion live "a very bad idea." Technical failures delayed the show for hours, proving Cohen's point about live television challenges.
As host of numerous Bravo reunion specials, Cohen understands the complexities involved in these productions. He advocates for taped and edited reunions, explaining that raw footage requires significant refinement before broadcast.
Cohen's experience with Real Housewives reunions, which often tape from morning until evening before being edited into multiple episodes, informs his perspective on production quality and viewer satisfaction. The Netflix-Cohen dispute highlights broader tensions in reality television production. Different networks maintain varying policies about contestant freedoms and post-show media obligations.
Cohen's public criticism of Love Island USA may influence how streaming platforms handle similar situations in the future, particularly regarding cross-franchise romances and publicity restrictions.
Trending
You can stream the Love Island USA season 7 reunion exclusively on Peacock.
Reply
