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'Love Island USA' Season 6: Hakeem White faces backlash after 'colorist' comment when discussing Hannah Smith

'Love Island USA' Season 6 contestant Hakeem White, a fitness coach criticized for his preference in women

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: During the most recent episode of 'Love Island USA' Season 6, the villa welcomed a new bombshell named Hakeem White, whose entrance was sure to stir up some drama in the already intense dating competition.

At one point in time, during the episode, Hakeem confessed his preference for women with fair complexions, citing examples such as Hannah Smith and Leah Kateb.

“I like people of FAIR complexion. Like Hannah, Leah," White shared.

Shortly thereafter, viewers of the show criticized Hakeem for his apparent bias towards lighter-skinned women and insisted that he be removed from the show. The backlash intensified as more and more fans voiced their disapproval of Hakeem's behavior, sparking a heated debate on social media and leading to calls for the producers to take action.

An X user said, "Did Hakeem say fair complexion as one or the things he’s looking for ????? NOPE get him out of here now."

Another user chimed in, "I like people of FAIR complexion. Like Hannah, Leah.” Hakeem I know what you are!!! #LoveIslandUSA"

A third user quipped, "my type is dark hair, fair complexion” i need Hakeem to exit the villa ASAP actually #loveislandusa"

Followed by a user who penned, "Hakeem a Black man loudly and proudly telling us he like fair skinned women unsolicitedly #LoveIslandUSA"

Another user went on to say, "Fair complexion?? Oh Hakeem needs to go home #LoveIslandUSA"

'Love Island USA' Season 6 star Hakeem White's entrance changes dynamic between Hannah Smith and Kendall Washington

The arrival of 'Love Island USA' Season 6 star Hakeem White has brought a significant shift in the dynamics between contestants Hannah Smith and Kendall Washington.

During a conversation, Kendall inquired about Hannah's thoughts on the two new guys entering the villa. Hannah expressed her interest in getting to know Hakeem, mentioning that he seemed like a nice guy and had expressed a desire to chat with her.

However, she reassured Kendall that he was still her top choice and the guy she was interested in. The introduction of Hakeem has sparked a new dynamic in the Love Island villa, creating intrigue and potentially changing the course of relationships among the contestants.

Things are really good with Hannah, but Hakeem is for sure down Hannah’s alley. He has kind of that similar energy to me where it’s upbeat, like, not taking things too seriously. I know that’s what Hannah really values but things could change just like that," Kendall said in a confessional.

'Love Island USA' Season 6 star Hannah Smith declines Hakeem White's kiss

During a conversation with Hakeem, Hannah brought up the topic of wearing fuzzy socks to bed. She inquired about Hakeem's preference for wearing socks during intimate moments and he admitted that he does.

Hannah expressed her liking for affectionate cuddles, to which Hakeem revealed that physical touch is his love language. In a confessional, she gushed about Hakeem's attractiveness, acknowledging her strong connection with Kendall but also feeling drawn to Hakeem.

“Hakeem is bonb shellinf***ing hot. Obviously Kendall is my number one but I’m not gonna lie Hakeem is a catch and he’s feeling me too. So I’m very confused," Hannah said in a confessional.

By the end of their conversation, Hakeem attempted to kiss Hannah but she politely declined, citing concerns about getting makeup on him. 

Will Hannah Smith pair up with Hakeem White?

Even though Hannah Smith has a good connection with Kendall Washington, it appears that she will be delving into her relationship with Hakeem White in the upcoming episodes of the dating show on Peacock. Hannah expressed in a confessional that Hakeem is the type of person she is attracted to, indicating that she may be leaning toward developing a connection with him. It appears that Hannah is keeping her options open and actively engaging with different potential partners on the show.

Catch new episodes of 'Love Island USA' Season 6 from Tuesdays to Fridays with 'Love Island Aftersun', a "weekly chat series" airing every Saturday on Peacock