Sat Jun 28 02:20:00 UTC 2025: ## ‘Love Island USA’ Contestant Sparks Controversy Over Alleged Ties to IDF

**Los Angeles, CA** – Elan Bibas, a 24-year-old Jewish Canadian tech consultant and current contestant on “Love Island USA,” has become the center of a social media firestorm. Fans are accusing Bibas of being a former Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) soldier, allegations which have been widely circulated without evidence.

The controversy ignited after a recent episode featured Bibas, who entered the show as a “bombshell,” sharing a kiss with fellow contestant Huda Mustafa, who is of Palestinian descent. Viewers took to social media, accusing the show’s producers of deliberately placing a “Zionist” alongside a Palestinian contestant and expressing concerns for Mustafa’s safety.

However, a closer look at Bibas’s background reveals a more nuanced picture. While he is Jewish and has visited Israel, including a trip for his bar mitzvah and a tourist visit in 2022, there is no verifiable evidence to support claims of him having served in the IDF. Bibas hails from Richmond Hill, Ontario, and graduated from Queen’s University with a degree in computer engineering. He recently sold an AI startup and now dedicates his time to fitness pursuits and creating positive social media content.

Despite the lack of concrete evidence, the online backlash has been intense. Many have accused Bibas of being a danger to Mustafa, while others defend him, pointing to the irony of a show called “Love Island” being fueled by hate.

In response to the controversy, the official “Love Island” Instagram account issued a statement urging fans to be kind and spread love, reminding them that the contestants are real people. Host Ariana Madix echoed this sentiment during the “Aftersun” recap show, warning fans against contacting contestants’ families, doxxing, or posting abusive comments.

The controversy comes as “Love Island” faces scrutiny regarding contestant well-being, following the suicides of several former contestants on the UK version of the show in recent years.

While the situation unfolds, Bibas remains in the villa, currently pursuing a connection with fellow islander Cierra Ortega. Whether his background will impact his time on the show remains to be seen.

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