Izzy Fairthorne Reacts to Unseen Racial Incident on 'The Challenge'

Izzy Fairthorne, a contestant on "The Challenge 42," has spoken out about a triple disqualification that occurred on the show, stemming from an alleged racial incident that was reportedly omitted from the broadcast.

Fairthorne told Page Six that the entire cast was "in shock" when host T.J. Lavin announced that Josh Goldstein, Leo Dionicio, and Nelson Thomas were disqualified without a full explanation. "We didn’t really know much about it. None of us were there," Fairthorne stated. "So when [host] T.J. [Lavin] came in and said, ‘They’re going,’ we were like, ‘What’s going on?’ They didn’t show it, but obviously we were so upset."

During the episode titled "The Challenge: Cutthroat," Lavin informed the contestants that Goldstein, Dionicio, and Thomas had violated the code of conduct and were removed from the competition. According to spoiler accounts, Dionicio allegedly used a racial slur during a game with Thomas, and Goldstein repeated it. Thomas was then disqualified for damaging kitchen property after confronting Goldstein.

Fairthorne, 27, mentioned that two of the disqualified contestants later shared details of the incident with her. "I don’t want to say their side of it," she said. "That situation about how sensitive it is, I think it should come from the horse’s mouth rather than me."

She also expressed surprise that the alleged incident was not included in the episode's edit. "I think maybe people have their reasons for it," Fairthorne speculated. "I don’t know if they’re protecting anyone. I don’t know if it shouldn’t make the cut because it’s a sensitive topic. I don’t know the reason behind it."

Fairthorne also addressed drama involving her co-star Cory Wharton. She initially entered a flirtatious relationship with Wharton, who is in an on-again, off-again relationship with "Teen Mom" alum Taylor Selfridge, the mother of his children. Thomas had confronted Fairthorne about Wharton's complicated situation, which Fairthorne initially perceived as rude.

"At the time, I was told what his situation was at home, and maybe it wasn’t the full truth," Fairthorne explained. "I don’t think it was."

She added that she and Thomas eventually reconciled after she understood his intentions. "And that’s why when Nelson came to me, I was obviously very shocked and taken aback about how rude he was. But then ultimately that also made me realize there’s something else going on here and there’s a reason he’s doing it."

Reflecting on the situation with Wharton, Fairthorne stated, "It’s a horrible situation. Like watching it back, I look at it and I’m like, ‘Now I know the full situation. That’s not me. That’s not my character.’ It shouldn’t be me that’s upset, it’s other people in the situation at the end of the day. It’s horrible to watch."

Wharton recently issued a statement acknowledging his behavior and stating he had apologized to Selfridge. He indicated he would handle further matters privately.

Selfridge also commented on the situation, suggesting she was trying to avoid further conflict.

New episodes of "The Challenge: Cutthroat" are released on Wednesdays on Paramount+.