Islanders
‘Love Island USA’ Shocking Exits: Yulissa & 13 Other Contestants Who Left Abruptly
There’s no shortage of drama when it comes to Love Island USA, whether it’s a fan-favorite being dumped off the island or a shock betrayal during a re-coupling. But sometimes, the buzz-worthy moment comes in the form of a cast member leaving the show prematurely. Their departure is often voluntary — they may realize they won’t find love in the villa, or they follow their voted-off partner. Other times, it’s for far more shocking reasons.
Fans speculate that the latter may be the case with former Season 7 contestant Yulissa Escobar, who recently left the show just one day after the first episode aired. There’s no word yet about the official reason behind her hasty exit, but it got us thinking: What other contestants deserted the villa early and why? Scroll to take a look back at the most shocking Love Island USA exits.
Love Island USA, Season 7, Every Night Except Wednesdays, 9/8c, Peacock
Kelsey Jurewicz (Season 1)
Twenty days in, Kelsey decided to remove herself from the villa when Emily coupled up with Weston, Kelsey’s former partner. When explaining her decision to leave, Kelsey said, “I genuinely came in here looking for love and even though I didn’t find that, I met some amazing people along the way. Right now, I think I need to do what’s best for me.”
Leslie Golden (Season 3)
A couple of seasons later, a more abrupt exit occurred with contestant Leslie. Originally, she claimed she left for “personal reasons,” but later on, she revealed on Instagram that it was actually a “really dumb” and “a little illegal” reason: She brought a dab pen into the villa.
Josh Goldstein & Shannon St. Clair (Season 3)
The couple left together due to a personal tragedy. On the show, Josh explained to the group that his sister died the previous night. “She was the reason I’m here, the reason I found Shannon and met all you guys,” Josh said. “I just need to be home with my family right now to support them.”
Slade Parker (Season 3)
Slade partnered up with Aimee originally when he joined the show nine episodes in, and he was just getting to know Olivia when he left the villa due to a family emergency. The Georgia native didn’t disclose any details but took to Instagram in a since-deleted post to reflect on his time on the show.
“These people are legitimate family,” he wrote about his fellow contestants. “I’m forever humbled to have met each and every one of you, and can’t wait to run it back again soon.”
Jeff Christian & Nadjha Day (Season 4)
Following a tense argument, couple Jeff and Nadjha decided to step away from the show ahead of the final episode. Jeff and fellow islander Timmy got into an altercation, and when Nadjha apologized to the latter, Jeff wasn’t happy about it. The two decided to end their relationship and Love Island USA run afterward.
“Of course, I hate how everything went down because we did have something so special and I care about him so much,” Nadja told The List. “I don’t regret anything. I’m glad I made the decision I made.”
Mackenzie Dipman (Season 4)
Mackenzie, who also appeared in Season 2, decided to take herself out of the running when she was included in the bottom two couples. Once her partner Chad was saved, Mackenzie wanted to give him a chance to connect with Phoebe, who was also at risk of being voted off, instead.
“Love Island has given me so much these last two years, and I can honestly say that I am happy to close this chapter of my life,” she said after explaining her decision. “So, thank you, guys.”
Mady McLanahan (Season 4)
Mady prematurely parted ways with Love Island USA after her partner Andy was dumped from the villa. “That week after Andy left, it just really became a struggle,” she told Page Six.
When the Islanders had to land on one boy and girl to send home, she decided to volunteer, realizing that no other contestant would compare.
Katherine Gibson (Season 4)
Bombshell contestant Kat connected with Jared, but then he was dumped from the island on Day 22. When Kat left Casa Amor with no partner, she decided to follow Jared and leave early, despite being safe from being voted off the island.
Nic Birchall (Season 4)
After joining the show during Casa Amor, Nic paired up with Nadjha, who then proceeded to pursue Jeff instead. Nic walked away five days later.
“I’ve had the best experience I could ever ask for, and I think I need to be home with my family and I’ll miss you all so much,” he told the other Islanders. Later on in an Instagram post, Nic revealed that he felt “mentally and emotionally drained” before his departure.
Anna Kurdys (Season 5)
During a Season 5 recoupling, Anna left the villa when she was faced with the prospect of entering a friendship couple with fellow contestant Bergie. She had just ended things with Leo, who got back together with Kassy, and though she was interested in Jonah, he picked someone else to couple up with. As a result, she saw no other potential connections.
“I was looking at the islanders in front of me and it felt like my time to go,” Anna told EW. “I honestly just went with my instincts. I didn’t want to put Bergie in a situation where a girl had come in and he was coupled up with me. I didn’t want him to feel obligated to stay with me.”
Kay Kay Gray (Season 5)
In a shocking turn, Kay Kay left Love Island USA immediately after her partner Keenan — who she coupled up with on the first day — was voted off by fans. Keenan explored other connections over the course of the season, but they ultimately decided to reunite.
When then-host Sarah Hyland asked Kay Kay if she was happy with her decision,” she responded, “No regrets.”
Yulissa Escobar (Season 7)
And finally, the latest Islander to exit the show. Just one day after Season 7’s premiere, Yulissa’s departure was announced. There’s no official statement yet — from Peacock or Yulissa herself — but fans speculate that it has to do with podcast clips that showed Yulissa using racial slurs.
