As Huda Mustafa opens up about motherhood on Love Island USA, her ex Noah Sheline steps in to defend her amid backlash—revealing a deep bond formed long before the cameras rolled.
The question on many viewers’ minds—who is the father of Huda Mustafa’s daughter—has become a trending topic ever since the Love Island USA contestant revealed her mom status inside the villa. The answer: Noah Sheline, her ex-partner, with whom she welcomed daughter Arleigh in 2020. As Mustafa navigates love, judgment, and reality TV fame, Sheline has stepped forward to show public support, offering fans a closer look at their personal history.
A Backstory Beyond Reality TV
Long before Huda Mustafa set foot on Love Island USA Season 7, she was already writing a life story rooted in love and motherhood. In 2020, she and her ex, Noah Sheline, welcomed a daughter named Arleigh Kalila Sheline. The couple may have since parted ways, but their shared parenting journey continues—publicly and privately.
Mustafa, originally from North Carolina, shares that home state with Sheline, although he now resides in Michigan, according to his TikTok bio. He attended Berrien Springs High School, where he ran track, and later earned the prestigious Sapper Tab, a U.S. Army honor awarded to combat engineers trained in advanced fieldwork such as demolitions and mine clearing.
An Emotional Tribute to Fatherhood
Sheline has posted several heartfelt tributes to his daughter on Instagram. In July 2020, shortly after Arleigh’s birth, he wrote:
“You are the best thing to happen in my life! I give you my all and love you with all my heart… The best gift to me as your father!”
The messages continued over the years:
- In August 2020, he celebrated Arleigh’s one-month birthday.
- In October 2022, he called being a young dad “the best thing in the world.”
- In June 2025, he shared: “My favorite things in this world involve you! I’m everything I am because of you, my sweet princess.”
Mustafa even chimed in on one post, lovingly commenting, “My adorable little nugget is growing up so fast😭💕.”
Support Amid Online Backlash
As Love Island USA aired, Mustafa faced criticism for coupling up with Jeremiah Brown early in the season and not exploring other connections. This online negativity prompted Sheline to publicly defend her.
In a June 2025 TikTok story, Sheline wrote:
“At the end of the day, I hope everyone remembers we’re human… She has a daughter and a life.”
While he admitted he doesn’t follow the show closely, he made it clear that the bullying and negativity could have lasting effects—not just on Huda’s mental health, but potentially their daughter’s as well.
“So I’m looking out for her in that aspect. Out of respect for our daughter,” Sheline explained, adding, “I don’t want my daughter’s mom to get out and see this and her mental health goes down a hill.”
Asking for Compassion
In his message, Sheline called for empathy from viewers, urging them to “be nice” and remember that “it’s a TV show.”
“You’re watching people date—it’s not that serious to put someone down a hole of bullying. Regardless of how ridiculous she might be or seem.”
Although the original TikTok story expired, Sheline reposted a screenshot after another user saved and shared it—proving that for him, co-parenting extends far beyond behind-the-scenes.