In a poignant interview on the podcast Call Her Daddy, Love Island USA contestant Huda Mustafa, 24, revealed her traumatic childhood marked by an abusive father, bullying, and struggles with an eating disorder, highlighting how these experiences shaped her mental health and relationships, and emphasizing her resilience in overcoming such challenges.

In a heartfelt and revealing interview on the podcast Call Her Daddy, Huda Mustafa, a standout contestant from Love Island USA season 7, shared her harrowing experiences of growing up in an abusive household, battling bullying, and facing an eating disorder.

The 24-year-old, who recently finished third in the competition alongside her partner Chris Seeley, reflected on her challenging upbringing and the impact it had on her mental health during her time in the villa.

Huda, who entered the Love Island villa in Fiji, took the opportunity to discuss her past after the season finale aired on July 13, 2025.

During the podcast episode, hosted by Alex Cooper, she opened up about the trauma she faced as a child, describing her father as “extremely abusive” towards both her and her mother. “My parents immigrated to America and got their citizenship.

My dad had his own business, and my mom was a teacher,” Huda explained. “We weren’t fortunate as kids.

We played with sticks outside. We didn’t have phones till we were like 16, 17. I was never that privileged child.”

The memories of her father’s abuse are vivid and painful for Huda. “A vivid memory I have as a kid is hearing my dad beating the s— out of my mom in the other room,” she recalled, expressing the fear and helplessness that marked her childhood.

Her parents separated when she was in fourth grade, and she has not spoken to her father in eight years, a decision that has shaped her sense of self and stability.

School was no refuge for Huda; she faced relentless bullying that pushed her to the brink of despair.

“I was unapologetically myself, and that didn’t resonate with a lot of people, so I always got bullied in school,” she said.

These painful experiences contributed to her struggles with suicidal thoughts during middle school, as she felt increasingly isolated and misunderstood.

Huda also discussed her battle with body image issues and eating disorders, which were exacerbated by bullying. She recounted a particularly hurtful incident involving a new girl at school who was a model.

“She would rub it in my face, saying, ‘Oh, you’re not even pretty enough to be a model, you’re not skinny enough,’” Huda revealed.

This led her to develop unhealthy eating habits, including periods of not eating for days and bulimia, where she would chew food only to spit it out, believing she wasn’t thin enough.

Throughout her interview, Huda reflected on how these early traumas affected her interactions in the Love Island villa. “There were a lot of things that triggered me in that villa,” she shared.

“I caught things and was told that I was being crazy, but I don’t know if anything was done on purpose to make me act out.”

Her honesty about her mental health struggles resonated with many listeners, shedding light on the often-hidden battles contestants face behind the scenes.

In addition to discussing her childhood, Huda shared insights into her personal life, including her experiences with dating. She revealed that she did not have her first kiss until after high school and waited until then to have sex.

Huda also opened up about becoming a mother at a young age, sharing that she has a four-year-old daughter.

“I kept my pregnancy a secret for three or four months,” she admitted, noting the challenges of navigating motherhood while living with her own mother at the time.

As Huda continues to share her story, she hopes to inspire others who may be facing similar struggles. Her candidness about her past serves as a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of seeking help.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges or eating disorders, resources are available, including the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and the Alliance for Eating Disorders.

Huda Mustafa’s journey from an abusive childhood to finding herself in the spotlight of reality television is a testament to her strength and determination. As she moves forward, her story continues to resonate, encouraging others to share their experiences and seek support.