The latest episode of Love Island Games Season 2, aired on September 21, 2025, delivered a shocking elimination that has left fans reeling and accusing producers of foul play. In a dramatic twist, fan-favorites Solène Favreau and Mert Okatan were dumped from the villa, sparking outrage across social media platforms like X, where viewers are crying “rigged” and pointing to a suspicious plot to keep certain storylines alive.
The episode saw Solène and Mert land in the bottom three couples alongside Andrea Carmona and Toby Aromolaran, and Nicola Gauci Borda-Warr and Isaiah Campbell, based on America’s public votes. Typically, the couple with the fewest votes would be sent packing, but this time, producers threw in a curveball. Each couple faced a choice: pull a heart from a box that could either read “safe” or “dumped,” or rely on America’s vote to determine their fate.
Andrea and Toby bravely chose the box, while Solène and Mert, along with Nicola and Isaiah, opted to let the public’s votes decide. In a heart-stopping reveal, Nicola and Isaiah, who drew the “dumped” heart, were saved by the public. Meanwhile, Solène and Mert, who had the “safe” heart in their favor, were shockingly eliminated after choosing to trust America’s verdict. The twist turned their safety into a devastating exit, leaving fans stunned and furious.
Embed X: https://twitter.com/chrmeheartlens/status/1969947031914545432
The elimination of Solène and Mert sent shockwaves through the Love Island Games fandom, with many on X accusing producers of manipulating the outcome to push a specific narrative—particularly one involving Isaiah and his ex, Sydney, who is set to make a bombshell return. “Production rigged the votes and sent Solène & Mert home so the Isaiah & Sydney storyline could happen,” one fan fumed, echoing a sentiment shared widely across the platform.
Others expressed heartbreak over losing Solène, known for her vibrant personality, and Mert, who was building a promising connection with Lucinda. “Solène and Mert going home… AMERICA how could you kill the drama like this,” one viewer lamented. Another added, “SOLENE AND MERT GOING HOME WASN’T ON MY BINGO CARD.” Fans pointed out the unfairness of the twist, with one writing, “This is so f**ked up. Solène and Mert earned safety in the challenge and they took it away for a dumb twist. Of course Americans wouldn’t vote for them since we can’t even watch their seasons in the USA.”
The outrage didn’t stop there. “Whenever I catch the executive that called in public votes for games… Solène really was the most funny, cracked girl in there, and Mert had something going with Lucinda…” an X user vented. Another fan mourned, “I’m actually devastated cause wdym we won’t be seeing THEE Solène anymore also Mert and Lucinda’s relationship kinda moved me idc.”
For those unfamiliar, Mert Okatan is no stranger to the Love Island franchise. He first captured hearts in Seasons 2 and 3 of Love Island Netherlands & Belgium, winning Season 2 alongside Joan Pronk. However, their romance fizzled out a year after filming. Mert returned as a Casa Amor bombshell in Season 3, coupling with Sunita Sophia and finishing third, but that relationship also ended shortly after the show.
Solène Favreau, 26, burst onto the scene in Love Island France Season 2 and later appeared in Season 3, where she placed third with Nicolò Ferrari. Their romance didn’t survive post-show, but Solène made waves again on Below Deck Season 12 as a rookie stew, often stirring drama by prioritizing her love life over work. Her bold personality and unapologetic charm made her a standout in the Love Island Games villa, leaving fans devastated by her early exit.
Solène and Mert’s elimination in Episode 6 follows the departure of Charlie in Episode 3, marking another blow to fans hoping to see more of their favorites. The controversial twist has only fueled speculation that the show is steering toward a predetermined narrative, with Isaiah’s storyline with Sydney taking center stage. “Y’all sending Solène and Mert home but keeping Isaiah and ole girl boring a**? America really know how to ruin a show,” one fan tweeted, summing up the widespread frustration.