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Temptation Island Season 1: Shanté Glover Is Facing Heat Online About Her Controversial Decision To Stay With Brion Whitley (Is The Backlash Deserved?)
Shanté Glover has faced intense backlash on Temptation Island season 1 on Netflix after choosing to stay with her boyfriend, Brion Whitley, despite his infidelity. Temptation Island premiered on Fox in the early 2000s before going on a long hiatus. It later returned to the USA Network, and ran for five seasons before finding a new home on Netflix. All signs suggest the streaming giant will continue producing more seasons, especially after season 1’s drama. The show is best known for putting couples through emotional challenges by placing them in separate villas filled with tempting singles—and this season was no exception.
Brion and Shanté had dated for a year before joining Temptation Island season 1. Brion, a former college basketball player, and Shanté, a Pilates instructor, had already struggled with trust issues before joining the unscripted reality show. His ongoing discussions about wanting a threesome only made things worse, especially when he had one while on the island. Surprisingly, Shanté still chose to leave with him. To make matters worse, Brion wasn’t particularly apologetic, making it seem like Shanté was settling for far less than she deserved.
Brion Cheated On Shanté On Temptation Island
It Was Heartbreaking To Watch
Brion and Shanté met through a mutual friend at church and dated for a year before joining Temptation Island to solidify their commitment. Brion claimed he wanted to prove to Shanté that he could end his flirtatious ways and take their relationship seriously. However, things took a sharp turn when he quickly got swept up in the experiment, culminating in a threesome on the island. Initially, Brion bonded with four women: Amiah Brooks, Courtney Randolph, Angel Murdock, and Alex Zamora.
He had frequently voiced his desire for a threesome, emphasizing his need for a sexually adventurous relationship—something Shanté had no interest in. In Temptation Island season 1, episode 4, Alex, Brion, and Courtney were seen entering the bathroom together and closing the door. While no cameras showed what happened inside, there were some telling noises, making the whole experience suspicious. Brion expressed no regrets in a confessional the next day, saying, “I’m still respecting Shanté at the end of the day. I think women respect honesty and being true to yourself.”
Shanté Flip-Flopped On Her Decision To Stay With Brion
She Was Unsure Of Him
Shanté saw the footage that almost ruined their relationship during one of those bonfire sessions. While she was shocked by his behavior, Brion wasn’t remorseful and only pretended to care after he saw her cry. He later confessed he was sure she’d take him back, which was one of Brion’s motivating factors for remaining faithful throughout the rest of the series.
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When the couple met at the end of Temptation Island season 1, Shanté criticized him for saying he never regretted the threesome. Looking apologetic, Brion promised he’d changed. Shanté said she was putting herself first, which at first seemed like she was breaking up with him, but after a long conversation, the Temptation Island season 1 cast member took him back as she believed the experience had helped him mature.
Shanté & Brion Are Still Together
They Are Still Going Strong
Shanté and Brion are still going strong after leaving the island together. In an interview with Tudum, Shanté revealed she moved past Brion’s infidelity, explaining it was “more physical than emotional.” The Temptation Island star also noted Brion has improved his communication skills since their time on the show. While Shanté hasn’t shared any recent posts featuring him on her account, Brion confirmed they’re still together by posting a video on his Instagram.
“Yes, we’re still together.”
The Temptation Island reality star continued to reminisce about their past two years together, writing:
“These past two years have been full of love, laughter, and growth — and they haven’t been perfect. I’ve made mistakes I’m truly sorry for. I take full accountability for my actions, and I know I hurt someone who didn’t deserve it.”
Brion’s admission that he hurt someone who didn’t deserve it shows he was only sorry because he got caught. He had previously called himself a “flirty boy” and admitted to leaving Shanté for another woman at the start of their relationship. Despite this, the couple appears to be working through their challenges and striving for a healthier, stronger relationship.
Shanté Is Facing Backlash Online
She’s Getting So Much Hate On The Internet
Shanté has endured some of the harshest remarks online from Temptation Island fans across all platforms. One particularly brutal Reddit thread started by @Emotional_Bid_9853 called her “an embarrassment to women” for choosing to stay with Brion. The thread with over 100 comments attracted people with similar views, with some claiming she could have some unresolved “trauma,” and that’s why she stuck with Brion. However, not everyone was against her, with a few expressing empathy with one writing:
“I think people are a little harsh on her. She is clearly being emotionally and mentally abused by this man. She is not in the right state of mind. She is in a constant state of survival mode. She is the victim of a narcissist, at best, and the victim of a psychopath, at worst. Why don’t we leave the shame and blame to the one who deserves it (Brion)?”
In another instance, TikToker Reality Rox reenacted Shanté and Brion’s final moments at the Temptation Island bonfire. Many commenters shared their disappointment with Shanté, especially after her speech about prioritizing herself. One user wrote, “Her whole speech was about putting herself first just to leave with that man, I was punching the air.” Several other TikTokers said how hard it was to feel sorry for this Temptation Island star because Brion told Shanté she deserved better.
Should Shanté Be Catching Too Much Heat From Temptation Island Fans?
She Doesn’t Deserve It
Shanté shouldn’t be getting too much backlash from Temptation Island fans, considering how deeply smitten she seems with Brion. In love, people often stay in some situations because a manipulative partner makes them feel like they deserve less. That appears to be the case with Brion and Shanté. Looking at his actions on Temptation Island, Brion is manipulative, which is why he probably had the threesome, knowing full well Shanté would forgive him.
Psychological manipulation is a powerful tool in emotional abuse, often making it difficult for victims to recognize what’s happening. The fact that Brion confidently looked into the Temptation Island cameras and admitted Shanté would take him back suggests this isn’t the first time something like this has happened. His certainty implies a pattern. Instead of blaming Shanté, fans should extend empathy and support, helping her feel seen and valued so she can make the best decision when ready.
Temptation Island season 1 is available to stream on Netflix.
Sources: Tudum, Brion Whitley/Instagram, @Emotional_Bid_9853/Reddit, Reality Rox/TikTok
