Love Island USA’s Nic Explains Viral “Mamacita” Moment With Huda
The facts matter. Here’s what we know so far. Nic Vansteenberghe, star of Love Island USA season seven, has finally addressed the wildfire of memes that erupted after he called fellow contestant Huda Mustafa “mamacita.” In an exclusive E! News interview, Nic admitted he is still puzzled by his own choice of words when Huda privately shared that she is a mother to a five-year-old daughter on the Peacock dating series.
During the Florida villa conversation that went viral, Huda corrected Nic by saying, “I’m a mom,” after he had initially asked, “Mommy?” Within seconds, he exclaimed “Mamacita!” sparking thousands of online reactions from late-night hosts to celebrity fans including Jennifer Lopez and Derek Hough. According to Nic, the absurdity of the moment is part of his personality. “I get very confused about how my brain works. Sometimes, I confuse myself,” he told E! News, noting that he thought his line was somehow valid. At the time, he even quipped, “A mom of what? A dog?” which prompted Huda to clarify she was referring to her “human child.”
The fallout reached his current partner, Olandria Carthen, who joined Nic in the joint interview to ask the obvious question: “She’s telling you she’s a mommy and a dog comes to mind? Mamacita comes to mind?” Nic’s comeback was characteristically tongue in cheek: “Well, if it was a dog, then I would have been right.” The playful teasing highlights the lighthearted dynamic that helped Nic and Olandria connect in Fiji after realizing their mutual attraction, ultimately finishing as the runner-up when the season wrapped on July 13.
As they transition to real life outside the villa, Nic and Olandria face the challenge of long-distance romance. Nic is based in Los Angeles while Olandria remains in Houston. He revealed plans to persuade her to try an L.A. trial run, promising that she could always return to the East Coast. Olandria remains cautious, noting her deep Southern roots and commitment to Texas life, though she conceded she could consider relocating for “the right person or the right opportunity.”
Beyond Nic and Huda’s now-iconic exchange, this season drew comparisons to past Love Island partnerships. Former UK winners Uma Jammen and Wil Anderson announced their engagement in July 2025 after meeting in season 11. Uma publicly confirmed her engagement on Instagram, reflecting on her choice to leave the island with Wil rather than pursue new villa connections. Meanwhile, Love Island USA season seven champions Amaya Espinal and Bryan Arenales remain together as well, celebrating their win with poetic reflections on growth and emotional openness that carried them through the finale.
Nic’s “mamacita” moment may have been a fleeting slip of the tongue, but it underscores the unpredictable chemistry and unscripted charm that continue to drive Love Island’s social media frenzy. Stay tuned for more updates on how these relationships evolve once the cameras stop rolling. More insights will follow as we monitor which villa love stories survive beyond the final rose.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and E! News
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
