Love Island’s Zach slams ‘homophobic’ response to Bryce bromance
Bryce Alakai and Zach Georgiou (Getty Images)
Love Island USA season eight star Zach Georgiou has described some of the backlash surrounding his close friendship with co-star Bryce Alakai as “homophobic”.
Georgiou addressed the reaction during the show’s season eight reunion, which aired on Monday, August 31, 2026. Hosted by Andy Cohen and Ariana Madix, the reunion saw Georgiou appear alongside his partner from the villa, Kayda Bosse, and discuss his relationship with Alakai.
The pair formed a close bond during their time on the show, with their friendship attracting significant attention from viewers.
Georgiou said it was “quite upsetting” to see negative comments about their relationship, particularly those suggesting that his interactions with Alakai were one-sided or that Alakai had been uncomfortable.
“For one, I think it was quite upsetting to see the negative stuff of it,” Georgiou said.
He went on to reject the idea that he had been the only one initiating their interactions, explaining that he and Alakai were simply friends who were “having a fun time” together.
Georgiou then addressed what he described as “almost kind of the homophobic stuff” surrounding their relationship.
“It was quite sad to see this sort of like, in this day and age, that people didn’t really like seeing it,” he said. “It’s weird.”
His comments came as he and Bosse continued their relationship following their time on Love Island USA. The couple, who finished fourth on the show, have since confirmed that they are officially boyfriend and girlfriend and have moved in together in Los Angeles.
Georgiou’s comments have sparked further discussion around the way male friendships and physical affection are perceived, particularly when viewers interpret a close bond between two men as something romantic or inappropriate.
While Georgiou made clear that he and Alakai were friends, he argued that some of the negative reaction went beyond simple speculation about their relationship and crossed into homophobic territory.
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