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NBCUniversal and Sky Set for Tax-Free Spin-Off as Comcast Restructures

Comcast has announced plans to separate its media and technology businesses through a tax-free spinoff of NBCUniversal and Sky into a new publicly traded company. The move, which is expected to take about a year to complete, will leave Comcast focused on its broadband, wireless, and cable infrastructure operations while the media assets operate independently, according to Forbes. Shareholders will receive shares in both companies, and the announcement sent Comcast's stock soaring in premarket trading. Under the restructuring, Comcast Co-CEO Mike Cavanagh will become CEO of the NBCUniversal and Sky media business. Former Comcast CFO Michael Angelakis will take the helm of the remaining technology company, serving as Strategic Advisor in the interim, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter. Brian Roberts, Comcast's longtime leader, will remain actively involved in both companies. The spinoff follows a corporate separation model similar to Warner Bros. Discovery, according to Deadline. It comes less than a year after Comcast spun off most of its cable TV assets into Versant Media, marking another major shift in the media landscape, Bleeding Cool noted. Comcast originally acquired Sky in 2018 for £30 billion, as reported by ISPreview. "This separation will allow each entity to better pursue strategic priorities, invest for growth, and create long-term value." Comcast's board made that claim as part of the announcement, framing the split as a way to sharpen strategic focus. The transaction is expected to be completed within a year, subject to customary conditions.

6 sources · 29 Jun

DRAM price-fixing lawsuit claims 'chipflation' drove up costs for consumers and small businesses

A class action lawsuit filed in a California federal court accuses Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron, the three dominant DRAM manufacturers, of conspiring to fix prices and artificially restrict supply of memory chips. The complaint, brought by 14 individual consumers and three small businesses including PC retailers, alleges that the companies colluded to drive prices up by 700% over four years, according to Hacker News. The suit seeks class-action status on behalf of all affected purchasers. The alleged scheme, which some media have dubbed 'RAMageddon' or 'chipflation,' is said to have inflated memory costs far beyond what normal market forces would dictate. While rising demand from AI data centers has often been cited as a reason for higher prices, the lawsuit claims the manufacturers actively worked together to squeeze supply. 'The complaint alleges that the manufacturers have been actively working together to squeeze supply and inflate prices beyond normal market forces,' videogameschronicle.com reported. According to Hacker News, the price-fixing has had knock-on effects including contributing to price increases for Apple products. The 700% price jump over four years, the plaintiffs argue, reflects coordinated behavior rather than genuine supply-and-demand dynamics. The three companies together dominate global DRAM production, giving them significant leverage over the market. The lawsuit highlights how a handful of firms controlling a critical component can potentially manipulate pricing to the detriment of consumers and smaller businesses. 'The plaintiffs claim the three companies, which dominate global D-RAM production, colluded on supply to drive prices up by 700% over four years, a phenomenon dubbed "chipflation" that has also contributed to Apple product price increases,' Hacker News reported. As the case moves forward, it may shed light on whether the memory chip industry's pricing practices have crossed into illegal collusion.

2 sources · 29 Jun

Compute crunch forces Google to limit Meta's Gemini AI access, slamming internal projects

Google has restricted Meta's access to its Gemini AI models after the social media giant requested more computing capacity than the search giant could provide, according to a Financial Times report. The shortage, communicated around March, disrupted and delayed several of Meta's internal AI projects, though other Google clients have also been affected to a lesser extent. "Surging appetite for advanced models is turning computing power into the tech industry’s scarcest commodity" The FT report underscores how even the largest technology companies are not immune to the infrastructure crunch. Seeking Alpha noted that the intensifying demand for AI computing power is outstripping supply, highlighting a broader industry challenge where allocation decisions are becoming increasingly strained. Meta had been using Gemini to assist with coding tasks and chatbot development, according to Engadget. Google was forced to cap that usage because it lacked the server capacity to support both its own needs and Meta's demands, illustrating the intense competition for computational resources in the AI sector. "the intense competition and infrastructure strain in the AI industry, where even major tech companies face resource limitations" The situation signals that the AI arms race is as much about hardware availability as it is about algorithmic breakthroughs. With compute capacity now a prized and finite resource, partnerships between tech giants may increasingly be governed by supply constraints rather than strategic alignment alone.

4 sources · 29 Jun

New GTA 6 Pre-Order Figures Disputed as Xbox Claims Record Sales

The battle for GTA 6 pre-orders has taken a contentious turn, with conflicting reports emerging just hours after pre-orders went live. Vice reported that pre-orders on PlayStation 5 are leading Xbox Series X by a 6-to-1 margin, citing data from major retailers who also warned that console shortages could disrupt the game's launch. However, Microsoft has pushed back hard against that narrative. In a rare statement, Xbox publicly disputed claims that PlayStation 5 pre-orders were eight times higher than those on Xbox Series X|S, calling such data unreliable. According to TrueAchievements, the company urged players to "wait for real data" rather than rely on the disputed figures. "wait for real data" Microsoft's pushback came alongside a claim of its own. PureXbox reported that Xbox confirmed it has seen "record" pre-orders for GTA 6 across both Series X and Series S, though it declined to provide specific numbers. The statement was issued to Windows Central in response to a report that had suggested an 8:1 gap among IGN readers. "record" pre-orders Meanwhile, Vice's original reporting highlighted that retailers are warning of console shortages at launch, potentially leaving many players unable to secure a new PlayStation 5 or Xbox in time for the release. The discrepancy between the reported 6-to-1 margin and Microsoft's upbeat assessment suggests the true sales breakdown remains unclear. As the pre-order window continues, the lack of transparent, aggregated data from either platform holder means players will have to rely on future official statements to gauge which console is winning the early sales race. For now, the only certainty is that GTA 6 is driving major demand across both ecosystems.

3 sources · 29 Jun

New Cyberpunk: Edgerunners anime sequel set for 2026 with fresh story and characters

Netflix and CD Projekt Red have officially confirmed a sequel to the acclaimed anime series Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, with a fall 2026 release window. The announcement arrived during a panel at Anime Expo 2025, where key art and initial details were unveiled, according to Bleeding Cool. The original series, produced by Studio Trigger and released in 2022, was a critical and commercial hit, winning Anime of the Year at the Crunchyroll Anime Awards and boosting sales of Cyberpunk 2077, as reported by Polygon. "Netflix, Studio Trigger, and CD Projekt Red have officially confirmed Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2, a sequel to the acclaimed 2022 anime series, with a fall 2026 release window." The sequel will be directed by Kai Ikarashi, with key art and initial details revealed at Anime Expo 2025 during a panel featuring the original director Hiroyuki Imaishi, writer/producer Bartosz Sztybor, and voice actors Emi Lo and Zach Aguilar, Bleeding Cool detailed. The panel confirmed a new cast of characters and a fresh story set in the dystopian Cyberpunk universe, according to Polygon. Prior to the official panel, CD Projekt Red had teased the project with a brief social media post showing a damaged USB drive labeled "Edgerunners SZN 2," promising a bigger reveal the following week, Polygon earlier reported. This tease built anticipation for what was already expected to be a hotly anticipated follow-up. While specific plot details remain under wraps, the sequel is expected to continue the dark, dystopian themes that made the original a standout, according to Polygon. The original Cyberpunk: Edgerunners was praised for its emotional storytelling and stunning animation, set in the same world as the video game Cyberpunk 2077.

3 sources · 29 Jun

PlayStation Chief Confirms Bungie Cuts Across Destiny and Marathon Teams

PlayStation CEO Hermen Hulst has confirmed that Bungie is undergoing significant layoffs, affecting most of the Destiny team and some Marathon team members, along with Sony Interactive Entertainment support staff assigned to the studio. According to insider-gaming.com, Hulst described the cuts as "necessary" in a memo to staff, though he did not provide an exact number of affected employees. "difficult" and "painful" but necessary for aligning resources with long-term goals IGN reported that Hulst framed the decision as one where multiple alternatives were explored before resorting to layoffs. The restructuring follows the end of new content for Destiny 2 and what IGN described as lackluster player numbers for the upcoming Marathon launch. The layoffs are part of a broader reorganization at Bungie, which thegamepost.com noted includes a shift away from current projects while future projects remain in early incubation stages. That outlet tied the cuts directly to Destiny 2's underperformance in recent years and the release of its final live service content update. Hulst's email, as reported by sonyinteractive.com, frames the reduction as a difficult but necessary decision for the studio's future. The confirmation brings clarity to the scale of the cuts, with most of the Destiny team and some Marathon staff losing their positions, alongside SIE teams that support Bungie's operations.

4 sources · 29 Jun

B-52s Blast Festival Organizers for Demanding Setup as Tornado Bore Down

The B-52s' scheduled performance at the Retro C Trop Music Festival in Tilloloy, France was canceled at the last minute on Saturday when a violent storm struck the venue, according to Rolling Stone. The storm destroyed some of the band's equipment, forcing the cancellation. "the band issued a statement on Facebook apologizing to fans and thanking their crew for prioritizing safety during the dangerous weather event." The band went further in their criticism. According to Stereogum, the B-52s publicly criticized festival organizers for forcing them to set up their equipment as a dangerous tornado approached during Europe's unprecedented heatwave. "While many events were canceled due to the fatal heatwave that killed over a thousand in France, this festival proceeded recklessly, endangering performers." The B-52s called out the organizers for prioritizing the show over safety amid extreme weather conditions, a decision that Stereogum described as reckless. The band's statement, shared on Facebook, made clear that they valued crew safety above all else.

2 sources · 29 Jun

The Strokes Bring Walton Goggins Into Their World for 'Going Shopping' Video

The Strokes have released a new music video for their track "Going Shopping," featuring actor Walton Goggins alongside frontman Julian Casablancas and a cast of dancing clowns. The clip, directed by Johann Rashid, serves as a promotional piece for the band's upcoming album, "Reality Awaits," Pitchfork reported. "The video is a nod to Paul Simon's 'You Can Call Me Al' video featuring Chevy Chase." The visual homage places Goggins in a role reminiscent of Chevy Chase's deadpan presence in Simon's classic, but with the Strokes' signature offbeat flair. Goggins, who has seen a surge in recognition after his scene-stealing turn in "The White Lotus," now appears everywhere from TV commercials to music videos. Stereogum noted his "rise to wider fame following his role in The White Lotus, his subsequent ubiquity in advertising" as context for his casting in the Strokes' latest visual. "Walton Goggins' rise to wider fame following his role in The White Lotus, his subsequent ubiquity in advertising" The actor's current cultural omnipresence makes him a fitting foil for the band's typically ironic and playful aesthetic. "Reality Awaits" marks the Strokes' first full-length release in several years, and the "Going Shopping" video offers an early glimpse into the album's tone. With Goggins in tow, the band appears to be leaning into a blend of nostalgia and surreal humor, according to both outlets.

2 sources · 29 Jun

Clive Davis, Architect of Modern Pop and Rock Starmaking, Dies at 94

Clive Davis, the legendary music executive whose instinct for talent shaped popular music for more than five decades, died at age 94. According to Rolling Stone, he passed away peacefully at his New York City home from age-related illness, surrounded by family. The A.V. Club reported that Davis discovered and signed iconic artists including Janis Joplin, Santana, Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel, and Aerosmith, building a roster that defined generations of listeners. Davis began his career as a Harvard Law graduate at Columbia Records, where he transformed the label by moving into rock. Variety reported that he signed artists like Janis Joplin, Carlos Santana, and Bruce Springsteen, though he was later ousted amid controversy. He then founded Arista Records in 1974, and later launched J Records, cementing his reputation as a mogul who could spot and nurture talent across genres. "specialized in breathing new life into artists whose commercial success had waned" Deadline’s description captures a hallmark of Davis’s later career: he revived veteran acts while also discovering fresh stars. The New York Times noted he maintained a visible role as a starmaker for over five decades, rising from a midlevel position at Columbia to become one of the most powerful and recognizable figures in the industry. Davis’s roster read like a history of modern music. Pitchfork listed Whitney Houston, Bruce Springsteen, Janis Joplin, Aerosmith, Santana, Pink Floyd, and Patti Smith among the artists whose careers he shaped. Stereogum added that he worked with Barry Manilow and Alicia Keys, while Rolling Stone credited his influence on Aretha Franklin, Carlos Santana, and Carrie Underwood. The A.V. Club noted that his knack for discovering talent spanned from the 1960s through the 2000s. "extraordinary ability to identify talent and shape popular music across multiple eras" The New York Times’ assessment underscores why Davis’s death marks the end of an era. As Variety put it, over a 50-year career he shaped Columbia, Arista, and J Records into powerhouse labels, leaving a legacy that will be measured in the music he helped bring to the world.

7 sources · 29 Jun

NASA Taps Startup for Historic Robotic Boost of Aging Swift Telescope

NASA is racing to save its 22-year-old Swift Observatory, paying startup Katalyst Space Technologies $30 million for a first-of-its-kind robotic rescue mission to lift the telescope into a higher orbit. The Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory, which detects gamma-ray bursts, X-rays, and ultraviolet light from cosmic explosions, risks falling back to Earth as its orbit decays faster than expected due to heightened solar activity. According to Space.com, the Swift Boost mission launches June 27 from the Marshall Islands aboard a Pegasus rocket. Swift launched in 2004 on a planned two-year mission but has remained vital for astronomers studying explosive cosmic events. The AP reported that the telescope has been sinking more rapidly because of recent intense solar storms, which increase atmospheric drag. CBS News noted that the rescue operation is critical to extending Swift's operational life for continued space observation. The rescue involves a three-armed robotic spacecraft that will chase down Swift and physically boost its orbit, a maneuver never before attempted for a NASA science satellite. HuffPost detailed that the mission launches this week from the Marshall Islands aboard a Pegasus rocket, with Katalyst Space Technologies leading the effort. "No one has ever attempted to robotically grab and boost the orbit of a scientific satellite before, aside from a few demonstration missions." The agency's willingness to fund such an unprecedented mission underscores Swift's enduring scientific value, as it remains one of the few platforms capable of rapidly detecting and observing transient cosmic phenomena. "The nearly 22-year-old space telescope, which hunts gamma-ray bursts and cosmic explosions, is being dragged out of orbit by higher-than-expected atmospheric drag caused by solar storms." By extending Swift's life, the mission ensures continued observations of gamma-ray bursts and other cosmic explosions, according to ABC News, while demonstrating a new capability for on-orbit servicing of aging scientific spacecraft.

6 sources · 29 Jun

Startup's three-armed spacecraft aims to rescue NASA's aging Swift Observatory from orbital decay

Arizona-based startup Katalyst Space Technologies is racing to save NASA's aging Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory from burning up in Earth's atmosphere by developing a spacecraft that will boost the satellite back to a safe altitude. Swift, launched in 2004, has been studying gamma-ray bursts and other cosmic explosions for nearly two decades, but is now falling out of orbit due to atmospheric drag worsened by recent intense solar activity, Forbes reported. Katalyst's LINK spacecraft will launch from a Pegasus rocket deployed from an airplane in the Marshall Islands, with liftoff possible as early as this week, according to The Independent. The $30 million salvage operation, funded by NASA, involves a three-armed robotic vehicle designed to rendezvous with the telescope and push it into a higher orbit, extending its operational life. Forbes noted that the entire mission is being compressed into an accelerated 250-day development timeline. "The spacecraft is falling out of orbit due to atmospheric drag, worsened by recent intense solar activity," Forbes reported, highlighting the urgency of the rescue as Swift drifts toward reentry. The Independent described the hardware as a "three-armed robotic spacecraft," capable of grappling and boosting the observatory. "NASA is undertaking a rescue mission to save its aging Swift Observatory, which is at risk of falling back to Earth," The Independent added, noting that the operation is a rare attempt to salvage a satellite past its original design life. Flics reported that Katalyst Space Technologies is "working to save NASA's aging Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory from burning up in Earth's atmosphere" by developing a spacecraft that would rendezvous and boost it. If successful, the mission could pave the way for future on-orbit servicing of other aging science satellites, a capability that has largely been limited to communications and government spacecraft.

3 sources · 29 Jun

Euclid telescope's 26-hour survey produces record Milky Way image with exoplanet potential

The European Space Agency's Euclid space telescope has captured the largest and most detailed visible-light image of the Milky Way's center ever created, a feat accomplished in just 26 hours of observation. The image, released after observations on March 23, 2025, contains over 60 million stars and 51 known exoplanet systems, according to Space.com. This unexpected bonus from the 'dark universe detective' spacecraft demonstrates its powerful imaging capability beyond its primary mission of studying dark energy and dark matter. 'dark universe detective' Live Science reported that the new observations will help astronomers confirm exoplanets and measure their masses by tracking changes in starlight as planets orbit their parent stars. The image is expected to reveal many more planetary systems, significantly expanding our knowledge of the galactic neighborhood. 'extraordinarily detailed image' The observation was conducted outside Euclid's regular survey to support NASA's upcoming Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope's exoplanet studies, according to NASA Spaceflight. The Roman telescope has arrived at Kennedy Space Center for launch preparations aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket, meaning Euclid's data will help lay the groundwork for Roman's future exoplanet discoveries. This achievement underscores how a mission built for cosmology can also deliver transformative astrophysics. The image of the galactic bulge, packed with tens of millions of stars, offers an unprecedented testbed for studying stellar populations and planetary systems in our own galaxy.

3 sources · 29 Jun

S.W.A.T. Exiles Spinoff Set for September 25 Debut on Starz as Sony TV Seals Global Distribution Deals

Starz has picked up S.W.A.T. Exiles, a 10-episode spinoff of the former CBS series S.W.A.T., starring Shemar Moore. The new police procedural is set to premiere on the pay cable network on September 25, with Sony Pictures Television producing the series. According to Deadline, Sony has already secured sales for the show across every major international market, including Europe, Latin America, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and Africa. The outlet noted that "select territories launching day-and-date with the U.S. premiere," signaling a coordinated global rollout for the action drama. "select territories launching day-and-date with the U.S. premiere." This marks a significant promotional push for the spinoff, which TVLine reports follows characters from the original S.W.A.T. series in a new setting. The original show, which ran for several seasons on CBS, built a loyal audience around Moore's character, and the move to pay cable now allows for a more adult-oriented take on the franchise. "follows characters from the original show in a new setting" With Sony handling distribution, the series will reach viewers both domestically and abroad on the same day in key markets, giving Starz a strong fall programming anchor. The shift from broadcast to cable also reflects a broader trend of established TV properties finding new life on streaming and premium platforms. Whether the spinoff can replicate the original's ratings success remains to be seen, but its international sales suggest considerable interest beyond U.S. borders.

2 sources · 29 Jun

DC Studios' Safran Takes Long View After Supergirl Opens Below Projections

DC Studios co-CEO Peter Safran acknowledged that the 'Supergirl' film has underperformed at the box office, as it opened to just $38 million domestically against a $175 million budget, well below the $50 million projection. Despite the disappointing debut, Safran expressed confidence in the studio's broader long-term strategy, positioning the film as one component of a larger plan. "Supergirl underperformed at the box office against its $175M budget" According to The Hollywood Reporter, Safran defended the creative direction he and James Gunn laid out in early 2023, emphasizing that the DCU is built for the long haul rather than individual releases. "acknowledging that not every film will be a hit but emphasizing long-term vision over individual box office results" Safran's remarks come as the studio looks ahead to upcoming projects, including a film directed by James Watkins, as reported by Deadline. The Supergirl disappointment, while notable, is being framed by the studio as part of a multiyear rollout rather than a verdict on the entire slate. Safran and Gunn's roadmap, unveiled in early 2023, includes a range of titles designed to build a cohesive universe, and Safran appears to be betting that patience will pay off even when early entries stumble at the box office.

2 sources · 29 Jun

Biopic 'Michael' Dethrones 'Oppenheimer' with Nearly $1 Billion Global Box Office

The Michael Jackson biopic 'Michael' has officially become the highest-grossing biopic of all time, overtaking Christopher Nolan's 'Oppenheimer' with a global box office haul of $977 million. Variety reported that the film surpassed the $975 million mark set by 'Oppenheimer,' which had held the record after an Oscar-winning run. "Michael," the Michael Jackson biopic, has grossed $977 million worldwide, surpassing Christopher Nolan's "Oppenheimer" ($975 million) to become the highest-grossing biopic of all time. Directed by Antoine Fuqua and distributed by Lionsgate in the U.S. and Universal internationally, 'Michael' is still playing in some territories, including Japan and Russia, according to Deadline. That continued theatrical presence suggests the film's total could climb even higher before its run ends. The biopic had already broken the record for the biggest musical biopic, beating 'Bohemian Rhapsody' ($911 million), as noted by Variety. Meanwhile, Deadline highlighted the benchmark it surpassed: 'Oppenheimer' reached $975.8 million through seven Oscar wins, including Best Picture and Best Director, and a late boost from Japan. "has surpassed 'Oppenheimer' to become the highest-grossing biopic of all time with $977.4 million at the global box office." The record underscores the enduring global appeal of Michael Jackson's story, even as the film's commercial success outpaces that of both a celebrated historical epic and the previous king of music biopics.

2 sources · 28 Jun

John Oliver Lands Three-Episode General Hospital Role After On-Air Campaign

John Oliver, host of HBO's Last Week Tonight, will fulfill a self-professed ambition by guest-starring on ABC's daytime drama General Hospital in a three-episode arc this July. The appearance follows a public appeal Oliver made during his own show, where he jokingly lobbied for a part on the long-running soap opera. Both TVLine and Rolling Stone reported the casting, noting that producers quickly responded to his pitch. According to Rolling Stone, Oliver's character is described as "substantial" and will appear across three episodes starting Thursday through Monday, July 6. The outlet added that Oliver had previously expressed a desire to play a fictional character rather than himself, a departure from many celebrity cameos on the series. "jokingly asked to be cast on the long-running daytime drama, and the show's producers took him up on the offer." TVLine emphasized that Oliver made his plea during a segment on Last Week Tonight, turning a lighthearted request into a reality. The show's willingness to incorporate the host underscores General Hospital's tradition of welcoming guest stars from various entertainment backgrounds. "He had previously expressed interest in playing a character rather than himself, following in the footsteps of other celebrity cameos on the long-running series." Oliver's arc adds him to a roster of notable figures who have stepped into Port Charles, blending his signature humor with the soap's dramatic storytelling. Fans of both the show and the comedian can expect to see him in the role starting early next month.

2 sources · 29 Jun

Winter Lycanthropy: Robert Eggers' 'Werwulf' Trailer Promises Gothic Horror for the Holidays

Focus Features has unveiled both a first look image and the first official trailer for Robert Eggers' upcoming werewolf horror film 'Werwulf,' setting the stage for a Christmas Day release. The director continues his run of historically-rooted horror following 'The Witch,' 'The Lighthouse,' 'The Northman,' and 'Nosferatu,' with a period piece centered on lycanthropy. Deadline reported that the first look image features Aaron Taylor-Johnson in the lead role, while the trailer also introduces a cast that includes Willem Dafoe, Lily-Rose Depp, and Ralph Ineson. The film is co-written by Eggers and frequent collaborator Sjón, the Icelandic poet who previously worked on 'The Northman.' "Eggers' most visceral and haunting experience yet." The A.V. Club noted that Focus Features itself described the film with that tagline, signaling an even more intense entry in Eggers' filmography. The studio's own marketing leans into the promise of a visceral folk-horror experience, applying Eggers' signature old-timey style to the classic werewolf myth. "Werwulf is a harrowing tale of devotion, damnation, and the devil within." Deadline shared the film's official tagline, which echoes the moral and spiritual dread that runs through Eggers' earlier work. The teaser suggests a gothic period horror piece, with IndieWire noting the film's focus on a "Gothic period horror piece about lycanthropy." Bleeding Cool drew a direct comparison to Eggers' previous Christmas release, 'Nosferatu,' which was also distributed by Focus Features and proved a critical and commercial success. 'Werwulf' appears positioned to repeat that holiday-season strategy, with its Christmas Day debut now locked in.

5 sources · 29 Jun

Love Island USA Contestant Ousted After Private Racist Posts Surface

Peacock has removed Alannah Keyser from Season 8 of Love Island USA after a video and social media posts featuring her using a racial slur resurfaced, just days after she entered the villa as a bombshell during Casa Amor. The network confirmed to Deadline that Keyser was cut from the show following the emergence of a video in which she lip-synced to Roddy Ricch's song 'The Box' while repeating the n-word, along with an Instagram comment and a Snapchat message containing the same slur, as reported by Variety. "I want to apologize for the video that has resurfaced. This is not something I support and I am not a racist." Keyser addressed the backlash in a TikTok video, adding that she was 'sorry to anyone that I offended,' according to BallerAlert. Her removal was announced during the June 25 episode by narrator Iain Stirling, who did not share details on the reason, Vulture noted. This marks the second time this season a Love Island USA contestant has been ejected for using a racial slur, following Vasana Montgomery's case earlier in the year, as reported by both Variety and Vulture. Peacock stated they were unaware of the posts prior to Keyser's casting because they were shared on private accounts and not widely accessible, according to TVLine. The incident has reignited criticism of the show's pre-screening process, BallerAlert noted. "The posts were originally made on private accounts and were not widely shared at the time, meaning they were not accessible during Peacock's pre-screening vetting process." Keyser's swift departure underscores the streaming platform's zero-tolerance policy on racist conduct, even as the show continues to navigate casting controversies behind the scenes.

6 sources · 29 Jun