Islanders
‘Love Island USA’: Yulissa Escobar Breaks Silence After Shocking Exit & Racial Slurs Scandal
[Warning: The below contains MAJOR spoilers for Love Island USA Season 7.]
The first exit of Love Island USA Season 7 happened just one day after the Season 7 premiere. Around the 18-minute mark of the June 4 episode, narrator Iain Stirling revealed that cast member Yulissa Escobar had “left the villa.”
Just hours before the second episode of Season 7 aired, Yulissa was posting about the show on her Instagram Stories. Peacock and Yulissa were radio silent for more than 24 hours after Yulissa was kicked off the show. Now, Yulissa is speaking out about what happened.
On June 6, Yulissa released a statement on Instagram regarding the circumstances that led to her exit from Love Island USA. “First, I want to apologize for using a word I had no right in using,” she began. Podcast clips from years ago have recently resurfaced, and I want to address it directly.”
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She continued, “In those clips, I used a word I never should’ve used, a racial slur. I used it ignorantly, not fully understanding the weight, history, or pain behind it. I wasn’t trying to be offensive or harmful, but I recognize now that intention doesn’t excuse impact. And the impact of that word is real. It’s tied to generations of trauma, and it is not mine to use. At the time, I was speaking casually in conversation, not thinking deeply or critically about what I was saying. But that doesn’t take away from how wrong it was. The truth is, I didn’t know better then, but I do now. I’ve taken the time to reflect, to learn, and to grow from that moment.”
Yulissa went on to say that she’s “changed a lot since then, not just in how I speak, but in how I show up, how I carry myself, and how I honor the experiences of others. Growth means recognizing when you were wrong, even if it’s uncomfortable, and choosing to move forward with humility and accountability.”
She also addressed “fake statements circulating, things written or said by others that don’t reflect me or my heart. I want to clarify that this is my voice and my words. I don’t need anyone to speak for me. I’m choosing to speak for myself because I take full ownership of my actions. Do not listen to the fake statements. This is my official statement. This is me, speaking directly to you.”
The former Season 7 cast members ended her statement with, “To those who are disappointed or offended, I understand and I apologize. I am sorry.”
Yulissa had been at the center of Love Island controversy ever since Peacock announced she was joining the cast. Those podcast clips circulated the Internet ahead of the premiere, and Love Island USA fans were pleased when Yulissa left the villa. “The producers dragged yulissa out of her sleep to give her the boot lmfaoo #LoveIslandUSA,” one fan wrote on X. Another person commented, “They got yulissa outta there quick asf I’m crying.”
Ahead of the premiere, Yulissa said she was looking for her “knight in shining armor.” The 27-year-old is a mobile bar owner living in Miami. In her brief tenure in the villa, Yulissa was causing issues. After Chelley Bissainthe and Ace Greene coupled up, Yulissa swooped in to snatch Ace away. (Well, Chelley’s got a second chance now!)
Love Island USA, Season 7, Every Night Except Wednesdays, 9/8c, Peacock
