Love Island USA season seven contestant Yulissa Escobar is addressing her departure from the Peacock series.
During episode two on Wednesday night, viewers learned Escobar left the villa when series narrator Ian Stirling quickly announced about 18 minutes into the show, “Yulissa has left the villa.” While the reason for her exit had yet to be revealed, it came shortly after clips of her using racial slurs resurfaced online.
“First, I want to apologize for using a word I had no right in using. Podcast clips from years ago have recently resurfaced, and I want to address it directly,” Escobar wrote in a Friday Instagram post. “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.”
When Peacock was reached for comment at the time, a spokesperson shared a statement similar to Stirling’s comment with The Hollywood Reporter.
“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,” she added. “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.”
Shortly after the season seven Love Island USA cast was revealed ahead of the Tuesday night premiere, Escobar faced backlash on social media when podcast clips resurfaced of her using racial slurs. In clips obtained by TMZ, she is reportedly heard saying the N-word multiple times.
Escobar had yet to respond to the criticism as she had been in the villa where no personal cell phones are allowed.
“To those who are disappointed or offended, I understand and I apologize,” she concluded. “I am sorry.”
Love Island USA season seven is currently streaming on Peacock, with Ariana Madix returning as host. The reality dating show follows a group of single Islanders searching for love in a beautiful Fijian villa. Throughout their stay, “Islanders will couple up to face brand new heart-racing challenges and bigger twists and turns than ever before. Temptations rise and drama ensues as new ‘bombshells’ arrive, forcing Islanders to decide if they want to remain with their current partners or recouple with someone new,” the show’s logline reads.
