Leah From Love Island USA 'Exhausted' After Intense Reunion

Summary

• Love Island USA reunion got intense as cast members reconvened in New York for taping.
• Leah Kateb spoke out on TikTok about rumors and challenges she faced during the season.
• Winning couple Serena and Kordell split $100,000 prize, while Leah and Miguel placed second.

There's no doubt that this season of hit reality TV show Love Island USA has been filled to the brim with drama. When the cast regathered last week to tape the reunion in New York, there was certainly no exception.

Apparently, things were quite tense between some of the cast as they reconvened, and fan favorite Leah Kateb took to social media to speak about the rumors that had begun to spread. The 25 year-old shared her piece on TikTok about what really went down.

Leah From Love Island USA "Exhausted" After Intense Reunion

The highly-anticipated reunion for this season of Love Island USA aired on Monday, August 19th, at which point eager fans will get to see the cast share each of their truths about the ups and downs of the show. The reunion special is set to air on the show's network Peacock.

In a comment on TikTok, Leah addressed the claims that the Love Island USA reunion had some of the season's most contentious moments yet. Despite the rumor mill, she clarified that no "blow up" had happened, and even lightly chastised some fans, noting that "y'all make any n everything up [sic]."

Leah didn't stop there when it came to expressing how dissatisfied she was at the end of the season. She spoke about how filming the show had taken its toll on her in more ways than one:

I'm exhausted mentally physically and spiritually from this entire experience. I'm tired. I told them I am DONE after reunion.

If it sounds like the show took a lot out of Leah, that's because it did. Since then, she's also spoken about how she has no interest in doing any further promotion for the show. She even went as far as to say that the reunion special was "all they were getting out of [her]," even throwing in some sharper words: "Respectfully. Everything else I just can't and they don't deserve me. Period moving on."

Leah's Love Island Path Was An Emotional Rollercoaster

Leah herself was put on quite an emotional rollercoaster throughout the season. Initially, she was coupled with several other contestants (affectionately known as "Islanders"), but ultimately she found her strongest connection with Miguel Harichi. Even though the couple formed their bond slightly later in the season, their relationship was one that seemed to deeply resonate with many viewers.

Love Island USA is hosted by Ariana Madix, herself a reality TV alum of Vanderpump Rules.

Miguel and Leah made for such a compelling pair that they went on to become one of the final couples of the season. This didn't mean that they were destined for smooth sailing, however. Leah faced a host of her own challenges, such as being left vulnerable and on her own during some of the re-coupling ceremonies. On top of that, the complex relationship dynamics of the villa weren't easy to navigate, either, and it often led to some emotionally fraught moments.

In the end, things went from sweet to sour for poor Leah - she was dumped from the villa when she failed to be chosen to continue her connection with someone else, even though she'd previously tried to make things work with Miguel. That marked the end of the road on her Love Island journey.

Similar Leah, Other Love Island Cast Members Have Complaints Of Their Own

It seems Leah is not the only one to lament the way things ended on the season. Her fellow castmate Kaylor Martin has also spoken about her own relationship status, confirming to fans that she and contestant Aaron Evans have since called it quits. In a recorded interview, Kaylor was blunt with her words, saying, "Aaron and I are not okay. We are done, we are not together."

At the very least, it seems that these two young women haven't let the heartbreak get to them too much. Kaylor herself is only 22 year-old - just a few years younger than Leah - and actually considers herself "lucky" to have the experience that she did on Love Island. "I know we all maybe have been there once or twice," she noted, "And I'm glad I have been through it and I'm learning from this situation. And I'm single!"

The reunion special comes on the heels of announcing the season's winning couple, Serena Page and Kordell Beckham. This came after it was announced that Leah and former beau Miguel placed second. As part of Serena and Kordell's final test, they were given two envelopes - one with nothing, the other with the cash prize of $100,000. The person who got the money could choose to split it with their partner or pocket it for themselves.

When Kordell was the one who chose the lucky envelope containing the cash, he chose to split the money with Serena, and each of them walked away with $50,000. He cited that with how much the two of them had been through, it was only right that they share the winnings. For these two, at least, it seems that their connection remains strong.

Before the finale came to a close, host Ariana Madix announced that there would be an upcoming reunion for the cast. Fans can be sure that it will be a tell-all for the contestants, an opportunity for them to share updates and get things off their chest that they weren't able to during filming.

"It’s been an unforgettable summer, filled with breakups, makeups, friendships, relationships, and most importantly, love," said Ariana. She went on to note that though there were certainly "turbulent" moments for some of the couples, she was sure they'd be happy for one another no matter how things ended up. Only the reunion will actually show whether this holds true for the contestants, some of whom are securely in love and some of whom are surely still feeling snubbed.