‘Love Island USA’ Narrator Iain Stirling Apologizes to Fans Who Thought His Jeremiah Joke Went Too Far

Jeremiah is gone, but not forgotten.

Jeremiah Brown’s dumping from Love Island USA shook reality TV fans hard. So hard, in fact, that some felt it was a little too soon when Love Island USA narrator Iain Stirling joked about Jeremiah’s dumping. Now, Iain is apologizing for the Jeremiah joke, saying it might have been a “misstep.”

“I genuinely thought people would appreciate the nod to him, because we very rarely talk about it, but if you think about it, it’s an unwritten rule that I never really joke about the islanders once they’ve gone,” Iain explained to E! News. “I’ll maybe do a joke as they’re leaving. So it’s a big deal.”

The joke in question happened after Jeremiah had been dumped, when Olandria and Nic were on a date and given a second chance to re-enter the Villa as a couple. In his voiceover, Iain joked that Jeremiah would be acting as their waiter, which was a blow to fans who had been holding out hope that Jeremiah would also be brought back in a Casa Amor twist.

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“It was a genuine statement of love that I mentioned Jeremiah after he’d already left the show,” he said. “I thought people would be, ‘Oh, that’s funny.’ He was such an intrinsic part of the show. Some people did take it as such, and then some people sadly didn’t, and I apologize to those people.”

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Iain writes and records his Love Island narration daily, pulling double duty on both the UK and USA versions. “[From] 12 in the afternoon ‘til about six at night, I record the UK one,” he told E! News. “Then I do my dad duties, spend time with my wife, bit of dinner, bath times, bedtimes, that sort of drill.” Once his two kids are asleep, it’s back to work on Love Island USA from around 8:30 p.m. to 2:30 in the morning.

The grueling schedule might sound like the hardest part of the job, but Iain says the real challenge is writing fresh material as you get deeper into the season. “The writing is 90 percent of the time,” he said. “When you’re thinking about something funny to say about Nic and Cierra, who are having their 55th chat of the series, that’s when it gets tricky.”

The popular reality dating show Love Island USA is once again in the headlines — but this time, it’s not because of a dramatic coupling or a tearful elimination. Instead, it’s the voice behind the show, Scottish comedian and narrator Iain Stirling, who has found himself in hot water after a joke he made about contestant Jeremiah sparked backlash among fans.

During a recent episode of Love Island USA, Stirling, known for his trademark sarcastic and witty commentary, made a quip involving Jeremiah’s appearance and demeanor. The joke, while delivered in a humorous tone typical of the show’s narration style, struck many viewers as overly harsh and even mean-spirited. Social media quickly lit up with fans expressing disappointment and anger, accusing Stirling of crossing the line and using his platform to mock a contestant in a way that felt personal rather than playful.

The Joke That Sparked a Firestorm

Although the exact wording of the joke hasn’t been officially released by the show, fans were quick to share their reactions on platforms like Twitter and Reddit. Many felt that the joke — which referenced Jeremiah’s emotional vulnerability or physical appearance — felt more like an insult than good-natured teasing.

“I usually love Iain’s narration, but that line about Jeremiah didn’t sit right,” one viewer wrote on X. “It felt like bullying, not banter.”

Others echoed the sentiment, saying that while Stirling’s snarky commentary is a signature element of Love Island, there should be boundaries — especially when dealing with contestants who are putting themselves in a vulnerable position on national television.

Stirling’s Apology

In response to the growing criticism, Iain Stirling took to his personal Instagram Stories and later made a formal statement addressing the controversy.

“I want to sincerely apologize to anyone who felt that my recent comment about Jeremiah went too far,” Stirling wrote. “It was never my intention to hurt or belittle anyone. As the narrator, my goal is to add humor and levity to the show — but I also understand that there’s a fine line, and I may have crossed it this time.”

He added that he has the utmost respect for all the contestants who take part in the show and that he appreciates the feedback from fans.

“I’ve been doing this job for years, and I always aim to keep the tone cheeky but respectful. I missed the mark here, and I’ll do better moving forward.”

Mixed Reactions to the Apology

While many fans appreciated Stirling’s willingness to own up to his mistake and issue a prompt apology, others remained critical.

“Apology accepted, but I hope the producers also take responsibility,” one fan wrote. “The narration goes through approvals, so it’s not just on Iain.”

Some viewers, however, defended Stirling, arguing that his brand of humor is part of what makes Love Island so entertaining.

“Iain has always walked the line between funny and brutal — that’s what makes him so good,” said another fan. “Everyone’s too sensitive these days. If we start policing jokes like this, we’ll lose what makes the show unique.”

The Role of Humor in Reality TV

This controversy has once again reignited the debate about the ethics of comedy in reality television. Narrators like Stirling play a crucial role in shaping how viewers perceive contestants, and their words can enhance or damage reputations. While Love Island thrives on drama and entertainment, there’s a growing awareness — particularly among Gen Z viewers — about the importance of empathy and mental health.

Experts have pointed out that reality stars are often subject to extreme online scrutiny, and even minor jokes or comments can have real-world impacts on their self-esteem and public image. In light of this, many are calling for reality TV shows to rethink how humor is used — especially when it targets individuals who are still actively participating in the show.

Jeremiah’s Response

As of now, Jeremiah has not publicly responded to the joke or the apology. However, his fans have rallied around him, flooding his Instagram with supportive messages.

“You handled everything on the show with class. Don’t let the haters or the jokes get to you,” one follower commented.

It remains to be seen whether Jeremiah will address the issue in a future interview or reunion episode, but it’s clear that he has a strong support system within the Love Island fanbase.

Looking Ahead

Iain Stirling’s apology may help to quell some of the backlash, but it also serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between comedy and cruelty — especially in a format where real people’s emotions are on display.

As Love Island USA continues its current season, both producers and fans will be watching closely to see how the show handles narration going forward. Stirling, for his part, seems committed to learning from the incident and maintaining the cheeky tone that fans love — without crossing into uncomfortable territory.

In the world of reality TV, where every word can become a headline, a little empathy goes a long way. And while viewers tune in for the drama, they also expect respect — even when it’s delivered with a Scottish accent and a wink.