The finale of Love Island USA Season 7 typically brings joyous declarations of love. Couples usually leave the villa looking forward to a bright future together. But for Chris Seeley and Huda Mustafa, their journey ended with an unexpected breakup right on the big night. This marked a first for the entire franchise.
Four couples made it to the exciting finale on Sunday, July 13. While the other pairs seemed strong and connected, Chris and Huda stood out for their ongoing struggles. Viewers watched them alongside Amaya Espinal and Bryan Arenales, Iris Kendall and Pepe Garcia, and Nic Vansteenberghe and Olandria Carthen. Each couple received a final, special date before host Ariana Madix announced who had received the most votes.
Other couples used their final moments to grow even closer. Chris and Huda, however, found themselves questioning everything about their bond. A tense argument the night before set a difficult mood. Chris had accidentally hit Huda with a pillow, and he never offered an apology. Later, she tried to cuddle with him, but he turned her away, saying he simply wanted to sleep.
Their final date was a romantic candlelight dinner, floating on the water. Chris even carried Huda over to the table because of her high heels. Yet, the atmosphere was anything but sweet. Both of them admitted they weren’t truly in sync. Chris then urged Huda to make a decision, claiming he still wanted to make things work. During this incredibly awkward moment, a singer joined them. She performed “Moon River,” and Huda became visibly emotional. When the song finished, Huda quietly told Chris their relationship was also finished. He got up and walked away from the table. When he came back, he made his feelings clear. Chris told Huda he wouldn’t carry her back. She had to walk through the water alone.
The awkwardness continued into the main finale ceremony. Chris chose to sleep in a separate ‘Soul Ties’ bed, not in the same bed with Huda. Despite their fresh breakup, Love Island USA producers still had both of them read their declarations of love. They ended up finishing in third place. When all the Islanders jumped into the water to celebrate, other couples shared happy kisses. Huda and Chris did not. Instead, Huda held onto Nic as he kissed Olandria.
This finale breakup was a historic moment for the Love Island franchise. No other couple had ever decided to split up right in the final episode. Huda had faced a challenging journey in finding love on the show. Her first connection with Jeremiah Brown didn’t last. She then coupled up with JD Dodard before her short, rocky relationship with Chris.
Huda’s struggles weren’t limited to the villa. Earlier in the season, she received a lot of harsh comments on social media. Her ex-partner, Noah Sheline, who is also the father of her daughter, stepped in to defend her. In June, he posted on Instagram, saying he didn’t like seeing so much “unhealthy” negativity aimed at her. He admitted he didn’t even watch the show. But he felt that what people said online could harm her mental health, and possibly their daughter’s future.
Noah also shared his worry about Huda returning home and seeing all the online hate. “It’s crazy I have to get involved in this,” he wrote. “But I don’t want my daughter’s mother to come out and see this, and her mental health collapses.” He thanked those who had been respectful and defended her as a mother. He pointed out that Huda works as hard as any young parent in the world.
Fans can catch all the drama of Love Island USA streaming on Peacock.