‘Temptation Island’ Star Ashley Howland Apologizes After Backlash From Insensitive Pregnancy Prank

Temptation Island star Ashley Howland upset viewers for posting a five-minute video in which she pulled a pregnancy prank on co-star and roommate Ashley Goldsun.

While some bashed her for making fun of a sore subject, others claim they didn’t care. After defending her video two separate times, Ashley Howland finally issued a public apology.

‘Temptation Island’ star Ashley Howland pulled a pregnancy prank

In her latest YouTube video titled, “I’m pregnant,” Ashley Howland started by providing context to the joke, explaining she told roommate and Temptation Island co-star Ashley Goldsun that she thinks she’s pregnant for weeks.

Ashley H. then filmed herself with Ex on the Beach stars Derrick Henry and Darian Vandermark as they came up with a message to send Ashley G. to put “the icing on the cake.”

Finally, Ashley H. showed her friend the fake pregnancy test, who asked what they’re going to do. Once Ashley G. started asking several questions, Ashley H. broke down and admitted it was fake, causing her friend to fall out on the floor. 

‘Temptation Island’ star Ashley Howland defended herself after criticism

Reddit users almost immediately called Ashley H. out for her insensitive joke as it’s hurtful to those who struggle with miscarriages and infertility. Some of them dubbed her “Trashley,” and thought the fact that she planned it for weeks made it even worse.

Additionally, they felt it was incredibly tasteless of her to use the touchy subject as a way to get views and subscribers on her YouTube channel.

Temptation Island Season 1 single, Brittney Rose, also found herself in the same hot water last year when she pulled the same prank for April Fools. After facing backlash, Brittney apologized. On the other hand, Ashley H. did not immediately offer any apologies.

Instead, she doubled down on her “joke” twice. First, she asked people via Instagram story to stop telling her to “go die” as well as “bullying and trash-talking.”

Then, she posted a picture on Instagram with a lengthy caption explaining how “proud” she is of herself for maintaining a “happy, bubbly personality” after all she’s been through in her life.

She continued, “My family does worry about me because of a lot of things they see people comment on my Instagram.” Ashley H. also called herself a “strong individual” and thanked her followers for their “love and support.”

‘Temptation Island’ star Ashley Howland apologized

After receiving more backlash from her defensive posts, Ashley H. uploaded another picture to Instagram of herself, making a heart with her hands, and apologized for the pregnancy prank.

She promised she never intended to hurt anyone with the video, which is currently at 4,000 views, and has since learned why the joke hurt from her followers. Ashley H. ended her public apology by writing, “Again, I’m internally sorry about the video and for letting some of you down. I hope you can forgive me, and if not, that’s okay too. I love you all.”

While some fans accepted her apology, others did not because she doubled down on the video twice before acknowledging any wrongdoing on her part.