Kaylor Martin Opens Up About Fame, Toxic Fans, and the Realities of ‘Love Island: Beyond the Villa’
If there’s one thing Kaylor Martin has learned since her breakout stint on Season 6 of Love Island USA, it’s that sometimes, unplugging from social media is the best move. The 23-year-old reality star told USA TODAY that navigating the whirlwind of online attention has been a wild ride — and not always a positive one.
“I honestly think it’s such an honor to be part of the Love Island family, especially with the new spinoff, Love Island: Beyond the Villa,” Martin shared, referring to the USA franchise’s first-ever offshoot. The new episodes drop every Thursday on Peacock, and Martin’s back on the scene, but things aren’t quite like they were last summer.
The Highs and Lows of Love Island Fame
Last year, Martin captured hearts as she fell head over heels for British islander Aaron Evans. Viewers watched their romance blossom — and then heartbreakingly unravel when Evans’ deception came to light. For many, the season was an emotional rollercoaster, made even more poignant by Martin’s tearful moments set to a perfectly chosen Sabrina Carpenter song. But here’s the catch: when that all went down, Martin was still inside the villa, cut off from the outside world, shielded from social media chaos and public judgment.
“That’s the thing,” she says now. “Back then, I had zero contact with anyone outside the villa. I didn’t have to deal with opinions or backlash until I was out, right before the finale.”
Real-Time Reactions: The Hardest Part of ‘Beyond the Villa’
Fast forward to Beyond the Villa, and the dynamic is totally different. This time, Martin and the other castmates have their phones and are exposed to fans’ reactions in real time.
“It’s going to be way more difficult,” Martin admits. “Hearing everyone’s opinions, the praise, but also the backlash — that’s gonna be the toughest part for me.”
And it’s not just the usual ups and downs of reality TV fame. Martin calls out the toxicity some fans can dish out, saying, “Some of the fans, yeah, we’re really lucky to have so much support, but there’s a very toxic side to it too. Sometimes people forget we’re real human beings.”
Setting Boundaries: Why Kaylor Plans to Sign Off
So, how is Martin planning to handle this double-edged sword of fame and fan scrutiny? Surprisingly, her answer is simple: she’s stepping away from it all.
“I’m not going to watch the show as it airs,” she reveals. “I want to have a proper Europe summer and just sign off from everything — the drama, the online chatter. I need to protect my mental health.”
It’s a smart move — and one many reality stars are adopting. In a world where every move is scrutinized and every word dissected, knowing when to unplug can be a game-changer.
Staying True to Yourself in the Public Eye
What helps Martin stay grounded amid the rollercoaster of fame and criticism? She says it’s all about authenticity.
“You never really know how you’re going to be perceived or what the public’s going to think,” she reflects. “But as long as you feel like you’ve stayed true to who you are, that’s what really matters.”
That honesty shines through on Beyond the Villa, which is less about romantic competition and more about friendships, feuds, and navigating life outside the villa.
Drama, Feuds, and Friendships: What’s Happening on ‘Beyond the Villa’?
The new series dives into the cast’s lives post-show, set against the backdrop of Los Angeles social scenes and real-world challenges. Early episodes showcase tension between Martin and her Love Island bestie, Liv Walker. The source? A missing invite to a boyfriend’s birthday and disagreements over how much effort to put into a big event.
And it’s not just Kaylor and Liv bringing drama. The cast includes some fan favorites like JaNa Craig and Kenny Rodriguez, Leah Kateb and Miguel Harichi, and the winners Serena Page and Kordell Beckham. The latter even makes guest appearances while filming his first movie!
Of course, Aaron Evans is back too. Martin and Evans reunite on camera months after their heated reunion episode, but don’t expect closure just yet — their unresolved issues simmer beneath the surface.
From Villa Bliss to Real-World Struggles
Martin compares filming Beyond the Villa to her original Love Island experience — and it’s clear this new chapter comes with a whole new set of challenges.
“When you’re in the villa, it’s all about love and fun,” she says. “Sure, there are sad moments, but it’s a kind of protected bubble. Filming Beyond the Villa was a lot harder because you’re dealing with real life — real feelings, real drama, and the pressures of being yourself in the real world.”
And that real world includes social media storms, public scrutiny, and the pressure to maintain a public image — all while juggling friendships and romantic relationships under a microscope.
The Appeal of ‘Beyond the Villa’
Unlike Love Island, which blends romance with competition, Beyond the Villa leans more into the reality drama territory — think Vanderpump Rules style. The show lets viewers peek behind the curtain at the cast’s social lives, conflicts, and how they manage their growing fame.
The show filmed earlier this spring, just in time for its July 13 premiere. Fans get to watch as the cast navigates everything from parties and events to relationship ups and downs — with all the raw emotion and occasional drama you’d expect.
Why Fans Should Watch
If you’re a Love Island superfan or just love a good reality show, Beyond the Villa offers something fresh — more authentic, less scripted, and all about the messy, complicated lives of people who’ve suddenly found themselves in the spotlight.
Plus, you get to see a different side of Kaylor Martin — not just the girl caught in a heartbreaking love story, but a young woman figuring out fame, friendship, and how to keep her sanity when the cameras stop rolling.
Quick Takeaways from Kaylor Martin’s Journey:
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Unplugging is crucial: Kaylor plans to step away from social media and the show’s airing to protect her mental health.
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Toxic fans are real: While many fans are supportive, some can be harsh and forget stars are real people.
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Authenticity matters: Staying true to yourself is the key to surviving public scrutiny.
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Real-life drama: Beyond the Villa dives deeper into friendships and conflicts outside the villa bubble.
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From love to life: The show is less about romance and more about navigating newfound fame and relationships.
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