Ace Finally Admits He Was Wrong About Nicolandria, But Is It Too Late?

Ace Greene has finally admitted what Nicolandria supporters have been saying all along: his comments about Nic Vansteenberghe and Olandria Carthen’s relationship came from hurt, not fact. After previously fuelling the fake-couple narrative during his interview on Complex’s 360 With Speedy, the former Love Island USA contestant has now acknowledged in a new podcast clip that he damaged his friendship with Nic and Olandria, opened Olandria up to hate, and was “definitely wrong.” Ace said his words were rooted in feeling betrayed because Nic did not publicly back him and Chelley Bissainthe for the final four.

But the timing, the tone and the history make the admission feel less like a genuine apology and more like damage control. After nearly nine months of silence, after standing by his comments and insisting he did nothing wrong, Ace is suddenly ready to “right his wrongs.” The question is: does he regret hurting them, or does he regret how the backlash hurt his own career?

What Ace Said Now

During a recent appearance on Life Without The Game, Ace Greene finally addressed the Nicolandria controversy directly. Here is the key quote:

“I’ve hurt people along the way. For example, even with the whole Nicolandria situation, when I spoke on that, that’s me speaking from hurt. It was more like, bro, Nic just hurt my feelings. I didn’t feel like he had my back. And then even though I praised Olandria in the same interview with Speedy, I still also spoke on her relationship. So it opened up the door to her to get hate on in general. And that wasn’t even my intent of the whole thing. It was just basically me to state how I’m feeling. But, you know, I hurt myself. I hurt them in the process. And that’s something where, you know, we talked about it that same week. And we smoothed things over and cool, but it still put damage on all of our relationship. And that’s something that hurts to this day. Because these are people who I was friends with in the villa for a while. You try and move on. You try and next‑play it. But you always want to still right your wrongs. And I was definitely wrong for that situation.”

So there it is. He admits he was wrong and that his words opened the door for Olandria to receive hate. He admits the friendship is damaged. But listen closely. The explanation is still about his feelings. His hurt. His disappointment that Nic did not have his back. The apology is wrapped in justification.

The Original Damage Was Real

When Ace sat down with Speedy last year, his comments did not feel like a casual vent. He implied that Nic and Olandria’s relationship lacked authenticity. He questioned their bond. And because Ace had been presented as a close friend to both, his words carried weight.

Critics used that interview to double down on the “fake couple” narrative that had already followed Nicolandria online. Olandria, in particular, became a target. She has since alluded to struggling with her mental health after the show, and her mother confirmed she went through a period of depression.

The worst part? Nic had actually supported the Speedy podcast before it aired. He hyped it up, not knowing he was about to be blindsided. That makes Ace’s move feel less like an off‑the‑cuff emotional outburst and more like a calculated choice. He had time to think. He had a platform. And he still chose to question a relationship involving people he called friends.

Ace also stood by his comments for months afterwards. He insisted he said nothing wrong. That history weakens the idea that this new admission is a clean, heartfelt apology.

Why Fans Are Not Buying the Backtrack

The scepticism is understandable. First, the timing. Nearly nine months later, right as Ace is promoting new music? That feels less like genuine reflection and more like PR rehab.

Second, the framing. Ace says he spoke from “hurt” because Nic did not back him and Chelley as final four material. But what did Nic actually do wrong? He gave a neutral answer: America chose the final four. That is not a betrayal. It is a reality of the show.

Third, the missing piece. Ace talks about his own feelings, but where is the full acknowledgment of what Olandria endured? She received hate, death threats, and constant questioning of her character. Ace says he “opened the door” for that, but then quickly moves on. That door stayed open for nearly a year.

Finally, the damage is done. Nic and Olandria have moved on. They have built successful post‑villa careers and a strong relationship. Ace’s backtrack does not undo the months of attacks they faced.

Nicolandria Thrived Without Ace

While Ace was nursing his bruised ego and watching his post‑show momentum stall, Nic and Olandria kept winning. They have brand deals, magazine covers, and a loyal fanbase that never stopped believing in them. Olandria has spoken about finding her light again. Nic has stayed grounded.

They may have “smoothed things over” privately, as Ace says, but the friendship will never return to what it was. The trust was broken, and that cannot be rebuilt by a late podcast confession.