Islanders
Why ‘Love Island USA’ Fans Think Ace & Chelley Are ‘Scamming’: The Rumors Explained
If you raised an eyebrow when you found out that Ace and Chelley knew each other pre-Love Island USA, you’re not alone.
Unlike the rest of the Season 7 contestants, the duo didn’t need to make introductions. “I know you,” Ace told Chelley as soon as he walked into the villa. When prompted by host Ariana Madix, Ace explained that he first met his fellow contestant outside of a New York club. Chelley added that they talked on Instagram after that, though distance shut down any chance of their relationship turning into something more. (Ace and Chelley reside in Los Angeles and Orlando, respectively).
The whole premise of Love Island is that a bunch of strangers are put together in an isolated villa to find romance, so the fact that Ace and Chelley already had a connection got many fans talking — and investigating. As we’ve watched the two dance around each other over the past eight episodes — they have yet to couple up — some viewers have begun to think that there’s something more suspicious going on.
Yall ace and chelley scamming us so hard.. he been liking her pics since 2022. All them boundaries he set with Amaya makes sense for a person whose girl right in the room and he ain’t trynna disrespect that forreal cuz he had hella boundaries with Amaya. They definitely scamming https://t.co/NHFYN94y7g
— Day🍉 (@Rinapoohs2) June 11, 2025
Fans are theorizing that Ace and Chelley began their Love Island USA journey with a stronger connection than they implied, and that they may have even made a game plan for the show ahead of time. Viewers cited their past interactions on social media as evidence. An X user pointed out that Ace liked photos on Chelley’s Instagram back in 2022, though others were quick to note that it isn’t exactly proof of “scamming.” “Liking pics since 2022 or liking pics from 2022?” another fan added. “Those are very different things.”
“I hope y’all know its possible to have mutuals without ever seriously talking to them or knowing them for real,” a Reddit user said.
Others chimed in that Ace and Chelley’s behavior in the villa gives more validity to the theory. They’re currently in different couples, but they’ve been playing a will-they-won’t-they game with each other for the past seven episodes. Chelley’s current partner, Austin, even expressed his confusion about her dynamic with Ace. “It just feels like there’s this weird game that they’ve been playing,” he said, adding that they should “f**king go for it.”
@berryk1sses_ This show is killing me I swear 😭 #loveislandseason7 #loveislandaustin #loveislandusa #trending #fyp #virał ♬ original sound – 🐞
Many fans have expressed similar sentiments. During the re-coupling ceremony, Ace could have picked Chelley as his partner — his turn was before Austin’s — and yet, he chose bombshell Amaya instead. Almost as soon as Ace and Amaya got together, he told her that he wanted to pursue other connections and set boundaries with showing affection. But then, things got really steamy with Chelley during the “Pucker or Pie” challenge in Episode 8. “That random licking of her t*ts after barely kissing outside of challenges confirmed [the scamming] theory for me,” said a Reddit user, referring to a preview clip that ran at the end of the episode.
@life_law_love Ace and Chelley challenge kiss 🔥 They’re just… stop playing ##ace##chelley##loveislandusa ♬ original sound – LifeLawLove
Some viewers chimed in to say that even if Ace and Chelley are being inauthentic, they don’t particularly mind. “Just to be clear, I wanna be scammed by them [and] I have no problem with the scam. I’m rooting for them,” said the author of the viral X post that sparked the conversation.
What do you think: Are Ace and Chelley downplaying their connection right now for the sake of the game, only to ultimately choose each other? Does it matter? Let us know in the comments below!
Love Island USA, Season 7, Every Night Except Wednesdays, 9/8c, Peacock
