Pa. Police Officer Who Quit Force for 'Love Island USA' Dumped From Reality Dating Show
What to know
- A former Bethlehem police officer who left the department to compete on Season 8 of “Love Island USA” was eliminated during the show’s fifth episode.
- Sean Reifel, 29, left the department in May after less than a year on the force, drawing criticism from city leaders as the agency works to address staffing shortages.
- Reifel’s mother defended his decision in a social media post, praising him for “showing up 100% as himself” despite public scrutiny.
A Bethlehem police officer who left the department to join the new season of “Love Island USA” was the first contestant eliminated.
Former police officer Sean Reifel of Easton was eliminated during the fifth episode of the Peacock dating show’s eighth season, a blog post announced. The show promises a $100,000 prize to the winner.
“The 29-year-old police officer was sent home after new Bombshell, Corbin, was allowed to pick a girl first during the recoupling. From there, each girl chose the boy they had the strongest connection with … [leaving] Sean single and vulnerable, with Host Ariana Madix revealing this meant he was dumped from the Island,” the blog said.
Reifel was sworn in as a Bethlehem police officer in August and had his final day May 20 in order to go on the show.
The departure earned criticism from police Chief Michelle Kott and Mayor J. William Reynolds during a time when the police department is working to fill vacancies.
In an online post Sunday purportedly by Reifel’s mother, Beth Reifel Bow, she said, “I want everyone to know that I am so proud of my son. It takes a lot to be scrutinized by the world. I’m so proud of him for showing up 100% as himself. He was brave enough to live life and take a chance. Team Sean forever. I’m so proud of you, son! Ravello is excited to see his daddy.”
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