“You don’t have to keep lying” Love Island USA star Belle-A remarks after Nic and Cierra get together 

Viewers of Love Island USA season 7 witnessed an elimination on Sunday, June 8, 2025, in a tense firepit ceremony that resulted in Belle-A being devastated and then departing. This reality dating series hit a significant point when Nic decided to get together with stunning Cierra over Belle-A, highlighting his choice following their unforgettable photo booth moment.

In a last and final private discussion before Belle-A departed from Love Island USA, feelings intensified as she challenged Nic regarding his choice. When he attempted to console her and express regret, Belle-A delivered a cutting response:

"It's okay, you don't have to keep lying to me."

This moment showed the very legitimate dissatisfaction from unrequited emotions in the villa.

Love Island USA hosts single contestants in an upscale villa, allowing them to build romantic relationships via coupling ceremonies, challenges, and eliminations. The program examines relationships under continuous observation as newcomers disrupt existing dynamics. Season 7 of Love Island USA has already sparked controversy with one contestant's early exit, making Belle-A the first formal elimination via the standard dumping procedure.

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What happened between Nic and Belle-A in the recent episode of Love Island USA?

The firepit ceremony marked what you could call a crucial turning point for the season 7 contestants. With fewer male islanders than females in the villa, elimination became inevitable for one female. The atmosphere got quite tense as each man announced their coupling decisions.

Nic faced a difficult choice between Belle-A and newcomer Cierra. He ultimately selected Cierra, citing their unforgettable photo booth moment as a deciding factor. His decision highlighted how quickly connections can shift when new islanders enter the villa.

Belle-A found herself in the vulnerable position of being the only uncoupled female person there at Love Island USA. The ceremony's format meant automatic elimination for anyone left without a partner, regardless of previous connections or friendships formed.

Following the ceremony, Belle-A began packing while fellow female contestants offered support. Chelley became particularly emotional, breaking down in tears as the reality of Belle-A's departure set in.

Belle-A opened up about her deeper struggles with rejection. She revealed feeling like she was never anyone's first choice, both in the villa and throughout her whole life. This kind of vulnerability showed how the Love Island USA format can amplify personal insecurities.

Nic requested a private conversation before Belle-A's exit. Their exchange became increasingly emotional as both processed the situation. Belle-A admitted having high hopes for their connection.

"It breaks my heart that we're not able to see it through," she said to him during their last conversation.

The conversation took a sharp turn when Nic attempted to offer reassurance about Belle-A's future romantic prospects. He expressed confidence that someone would give her the love and commitment she deserved, apologizing for not being that person.

Belle-A maintained her composure while delivering pointed responses. She reminded Nic, "it wasn't her loss," suggesting his decision would ultimately benefit her rather than harm her prospects.

When Nic asked for a hug and told her that he would miss her, Belle-A's response cut through any remaining pretense from his end. Her statement, when she said “You don't have to keep lying to me," revealed her skepticism about his sincerity.

The exchange continued with Nic’s continued insistence that he wasn't lying about his feelings. Belle-A remained unconvinced, pointing out that he created the situation leading to her elimination from Love Island USA.

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Season 7 marks some early departures

Belle-A becomes the first contestant officially eliminated through Love Island USA's traditional dumping process. However, her's is the second departure from season 7 overall.

Yulissa Escobar left Love Island USA earlier after past controversial statements surfaced online. The network removed her without an official explanation, though Yulissa later apologized publicly on social media.

"I wasn't trying to be offensive or harmful, but I recognize now that intention doesn't excuse impact," Yulissa stated in her Instagram apology.

These early departures show us just how dramatic season 7 of Love Island USA could get, with both planned eliminations and unexpected exits shaping the villa's dynamics from the beginning.

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Love Island USA airs new episodes six nights a week (Sunday–Tuesday, Thursday–Saturday) at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT exclusively on Peacock.