‎Yulissa Escobar leaves Love Island USA Season 7 after racial slur controversy emerges

By: Shawn
‎Love Island USA Season 7 has taken an unexpected turn just days after its premiere, as contestant Yulissa Escobar has exited the villa without explanation. The announcement came during episode two on Wednesday night, when series narrator Iain Stirling revealed, “Yulissa has left the villa,” about 18 minutes into the episode.
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Yulissa Escobar in 'Love Island USA.'
‎Ben Symons/PEACOCK
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‎Escobar was initially coupled up with fellow Islander Ace Greene, who was later confirmed to be single following her sudden departure. While neither Peacock nor the show’s producers have issued an in-depth statement, a spokesperson echoed Stirling’s words in a comment provided to The Hollywood Reporter.
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‎Though the reason for Escobar’s departure hasn’t been officially disclosed, it comes shortly after resurfaced podcast clips circulated online in which Escobar allegedly used racial slurs, including the N-word. The clips, obtained by TMZ, have drawn significant backlash across social media, with many fans demanding accountability.
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‎Due to the format of Love Island USA, contestants do not have access to phones or the internet while filming, meaning Escobar has not publicly addressed the controversy. Her exit, however, has raised widespread speculation about whether producers acted in response to the backlash.
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‎The current Love Island USA Season 7 cast includes Chelley Bissainthe, Huda Mustafa, Belle-A Walker, Olandria Carthen, Ace Greene, Taylor Williams, Nicolas Vansteenberghe, Jeremiah Brown, and Austin Shepard. Shepard has also come under online scrutiny after fans shared alleged screenshots of his TikTok likes, which appeared to endorse content supporting Donald Trump. He remains on the show.
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‎Hosted by Vanderpump Rules star Ariana Madix, the newest season of Love Island USA takes place in a luxurious villa in Fiji, where contestants compete for love and cash prizes through recouplings, challenges, and dramatic twists. Episode one introduced two bombshells, Cierra Ortega and Charlie Georgiou, who entered the villa at the end of the premiere.

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