Season 42 of the long-running reality competition series The Challenge threw fans for a loop on the latest episode of The Challenge: Cutthroat this week. On this week’s episode, which dropped on Wednesday, September 16, on Paramount+, there was an unprecedented triple disqualification.

Josh Goldstein, Leo Dionicio and Nelson Thomas were kicked off of the show after they “all broke the code of conduct.”

The Challenge host TJ Lavin informed the shocked cast members of the news, with no further information. The incident that led to the trio of competitors getting disqualified was edited out of the show.

However, spoiler account GamerVev, which has a proven track record of leaking the cast, elimination order, and news from filming, shared some rumors about what went down behind the scenes. According to the rumors, it all started over an alleged racial incident.

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What Led To ‘The Challenge: Cutthroat’ Triple Disqualification?

“Leo, Nelson, and Josh all broke the code of conduct here on The Challenge, so they’re all gone.” – TJ Lavin

Idk why production is so afraid to show what actually happened. #TheChallenge42 pic.twitter.com/ywI8nsuiFE

— Pinkrose (@pinkrosevev) September 16, 2026

According to the rumors, Leo and Nelson were playing a card game when Dionicio used the N-word. Goldstein repeated the word, which led to a verbal confrontation.

Thomas lost his temper and caused damage to the kitchen, which led to production removing all three men from the game.

Following Wednesday’s episode, Thomas took to social media to thank fans for their support.

“I let my emotions take over, broke dishes, destroyed kitchen and violated the code of conduct,” Thomas wrote on X. “That’s on me. I’m learning and growing, and I’m grateful my [Challenge] family sees the good and the bad.

“I received his DM apology, and I’m giving him space to take ownership publicly. The fans and [The Challenge] family deserve that too. Saying you have Black friends doesn’t give you a pass to use the N-word. This goes beyond TV. We need accountability, understanding, and growth. I appreciate y’all. Support me without tearing others down.”

Because the show edited out the incident, there is no further context, but perhaps we will learn more during the show’s reunion. For now, we’ll have to tune in next Wednesday to see the continued fallout on Paramount+.