Love Island’s Nic Vansteenberghe just shut down a fan’s claim that Olandria Carthen could ‘do better’—and his response is pure gold. But here’s where it gets controversial: is Nic really holding Olandria back, or are critics missing the bigger picture? Let’s dive in.
On January 16, a Threads user sparked a heated debate by declaring, ‘Olandria can do better than Nic.’ The post went on to say, ‘I like him and all, but he’s bad for her brand. I can see her with a millionaire doctor or something.’ Bold statement, right? But Nic wasn’t about to let that slide. The 24-year-old reality star clapped back with a witty retort: ‘All she got was a millionaire nurse.’ 😞 Yes, you read that right—Nic is a registered nurse, but there’s so much more to his story.
Before stepping into the Love Island villa, Nic was already making waves as a model in Japan. ‘I was living a life of travel and freedom, but I felt directionless,’ he shared with Glamour last December. ‘Now, I’m chasing purpose,’ he added, hinting at his budding DJ career and other ventures. So, is he really ‘bad for her brand’? Let’s consider the facts.
Since their whirlwind romance on Love Island, both Nic and Olandria have skyrocketed to fame. Olandria, once an elevator salesperson, is now a runway model, Harvard speaker, and Glamour cover star—all while Nic stands by her side, supporting her every step of the way. And this is the part most people miss: their relationship hasn’t just boosted Olandria’s career; it’s given both of them a platform to redefine their narratives.
‘Taking control of the narrative has been the most fun part,’ Olandria told Glamour. ‘At first, I was upset by the assumptions people made about me. But now? I’m showing the world the real, unedited me.’ Yet, with fame comes scrutiny. The couple admits that fans constantly ‘nitpick’ their behavior, forcing them to prioritize mental health check-ins. ‘We’re each other’s rock,’ Olandria said. ‘I don’t know what we’d do without each other.’
So, here’s the question: Are critics underestimating Nic’s role in Olandria’s success, or is there truth to the claim that she could aim higher? And more importantly, does a relationship’s value really boil down to career compatibility? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this debate is far from over.
