Love Island Australia is facing backlash over its latest promo after fans slammed the show for using AI — and Love Island USA host Ariana Madix made it clear she wasn’t happy about being involved.
The new promo features Sophie Monk preparing to “Ausify” the Love Island USA villa in Fiji ahead of the Australian series’ return. The cheeky concept, however, quickly became a lightning rod for criticism after viewers noticed the heavy use of AI-generated elements throughout the spot.
Fans did not hold back in the comments. One comment called the decision to use AI “straight up embarrassing.”
Others described the promo as “devastating” for Australian television. Another bluntly declared, “Nobody wants it.”
The backlash took an even more surprising turn when Ariana Madix — who appears in the opening seconds of the promo — revealed that she had no idea her footage would be incorporated into an AI-heavy campaign.
“They didn’t tell me AT ALL that the clip I shot would be used with AI,” Ariana commented. “Something I’m firmly against. WTF guys ??”
AI has increasingly found its way into Australian television, with shows including The Block experimenting with the technology in their creative campaigns. But the Love Island Australia backlash highlights a growing debate among viewers: Is AI actually enhancing television, or is it making productions look cheaper?
With Love Island Australia set to return October 26, the controversy surrounding its promo could be an early indication that audiences aren’t necessarily ready to embrace AI as part of their favorite reality shows.
