Reality TV villains are what keep us hooked—whether it’s the unapologetic antics of Jax Taylor from Vanderpump Rules or the unforgettable chaos Samantha Riehl brought to Farmer Wants a Wife.
These characters stir the pot, challenge the status quo, and make the drama fun to watch. In Love Island USA season 7, Huda Mustafa, 24, has absolutely taken on this role and made her mark as one of the most captivating and polarizing contestants we’ve seen in a while.
A Game of Strategy and Bold Moves
Love Island USA is a dating competition that sees contestants from across the world coming together in a luxury villa in Fiji, aiming to couple up and avoid elimination. While love and connections are key, contestants are also playing the game for America’s approval and their fellow Islanders’ support.
Huda’s journey on the show has been filled with ups and downs that have kept fans glued to their screens. Her unapologetic approach and bold moves have turned her into one of the most talked-about characters of the season. Here’s a breakdown of Huda’s most memorable moments on the show so far.
Down: Her Immediate Cling to Jeremiah Brown
Huda’s strategy from the start was clear: she locked her eyes on Jeremiah Brown, 25, and didn’t look back. The moment they met, Huda was fixated on him, pushing him to reciprocate the intensity of her feelings. While Love Island USA encourages contestants to explore connections, Huda’s immediate attachment to Jeremiah felt counterproductive to the competition’s goal.
This set the stage for a dynamic where Jeremiah felt trapped, unable to branch out and explore other options. Huda even went as far as to refer to herself and Jeremiah as the “mom and dad” of the villa, marking her territory early on.
This possessive attitude raised some eyebrows, especially considering the fact that Huda is a mother herself—a detail she kept hidden from Jeremiah for a while.
Up: Delaying the Reveal About Being a Mom
While some fans criticize Huda for holding back such a personal detail, her delay in revealing she’s a mom is understandable. It’s a big step to share something so personal, especially when you’re still figuring out the dynamics of the villa.
Huda did tell other female Islanders about her daughter, but it took her a bit longer to open up to Jeremiah. Perhaps this was a strategic move, or maybe it was about finding the right moment to share such an important part of her life. Regardless, when she did eventually reveal it, it added a new layer of complexity to her game.
Down: Intimidation Tactics and Control
One of Huda’s more controversial tactics came when new contestant Cierra Ortega arrived in the villa. Cierra, who was clearly interested in Jeremiah, pulled him aside for a chat. Huda, not one to sit idly by, made sure to assert her presence.
She watched their conversation closely and then approached the two, calling Jeremiah “baby” in front of Cierra. This move was a clear attempt to assert control over the situation, even though it went against the very nature of the game—meeting new people and forming new connections.
Up: Her Unapologetic Strategic Gameplay
Despite the controversy, it’s undeniable that Huda is playing a calculated game. From the moment she entered the villa, she made it clear that she wasn’t there to play nice.
While others might have hesitated to make bold moves, Huda embraced the competition head-on, expressing her needs and expectations unapologetically.
Her self-assured attitude and willingness to go after what she wanted are qualities we can’t help but admire. Whether you love or hate her, there’s no denying that Huda knows how to stir up drama and keep things interesting. Her ability to play the game strategically has made her one of the season’s standout contestants.
Down: An Unnecessary Confrontation with Olandria
Another memorable moment came when Huda got into an argument with Olandria Carthen after the elimination of several male Islanders. When Taylor Williams left Olandria, Huda became visibly upset, expressing her disappointment about the situation.
While most Islanders understood it was part of the game, Huda made a bigger deal out of it than necessary, even crying about Olandria not pulling her aside privately.
The situation escalated unnecessarily, with Huda feeling hurt and betrayed, while Olandria remained calm. Eventually, Olandria apologized, but the confrontation only added to Huda’s controversial reputation.
Up: Resilience in the Face of Criticism
Despite the criticism and constant scrutiny from fellow contestants and viewers, Huda has remained steadfast. Even after America voted to eliminate Jeremiah and his subsequent shifting attention to Iris Kendall and Andreina Santos, Huda didn’t back down. Instead, she stayed strong, continuing to manipulate the game to her advantage and proving her emotional resilience.
Her ability to stand tall under pressure and remain true to herself—while still actively pursuing her strategy—proves just how tough she really is. Whether you like her or not, Huda’s confidence and resilience make her a force to be reckoned with.
The Villain We Love to Watch
In a show like Love Island USA, villains are essential. They spice things up and keep the drama alive. Huda Mustafa, with her bold moves, strategic gameplay, and unfiltered personality, is exactly the kind of reality TV villain we love to watch.
She might not be everyone’s favorite, but she’s certainly one of the most entertaining and unpredictable contestants of the season.
New episodes of Love Island USA drop daily (except Wednesday) at 9 p.m. ET on Peacock. Don’t miss out on the drama and Huda’s latest moves!
