Yulissa Escobar has broken her silence following her sudden removal from Season 7 of “Love Island USA.” After controversial podcast clips resurfaced of her using the N-word multiple times, the ex-contestant took to Instagram with a public apology.
“In those clips, I used a word I never should’ve used, a racial slur,” Escobar admitted. “I used it ignorantly, not fully understanding the weight, history, or pain behind it.”
Escobar emphasized that while she didn’t intend to offend, she knows now that good intentions don’t erase harm. “Intention doesn’t excuse impact,” she added. “And the impact of that word is real.”
She explained the context behind the clips, saying, “At the time, I was speaking casually in conversation, not thinking deeply or critically about what I was saying.”
Her appearance on “Love Island USA” was cut short during the second episode with little explanation from Peacock, but the timing aligned closely with the viral podcast clips.
Since then, Escobar says she’s been working on herself. “I’ve changed a lot since then, not just in how I speak, but in how I show up… Growth means recognizing when you were wrong.”
She also called out fake reports about her character circulating online: “This is my voice and my words… Do not listen to the fake statements.”
“To those who are disappointed or offended, I understand, and I apologize. I am sorry,” she concluded. “I take full ownership of my actions.”
