'Love Island' Contestant Issues Apology After Being Removed From Show For Saying The N-Word
Shortly after Peacock announced the "Love Island USA" cast in late May 2025, video clips of a new islander, Yulissa Escobar, saying the N-word on a previous podcast went viral online.
During the season's second episode, which aired on June 4, 2025, the "Love Island USA" narrator, Iain Stirling, announced that producers had removed Escobar from the villa, which many fans assumed was due to her past problematic statements.
Now, after some time to process the news that she'd no longer be in the running for the $100,000 grand prize on the most recent season of "Love Island," Escobar released an apology, which has drawn a mixed reaction from fans.
On Instagram, Escobar posted a graphic that read, "Owning my mistakes; speaking my truth."
In the caption, she wrote, "First, I want to apologize for using a word I had no right in using," referring to viral clips of her using the N-word while speaking about men during a previous podcast episode.
"In those clips, I used a word I never should've used, a racial slur," she wrote. "I used it ignorantly, not fully understanding the weight, history, or pain behind it."
She continued, "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."
Elsewhere, in her caption, Escobar explained that when she used the word, she was "speaking casually in conversation" and wasn't thinking "deeply or critically" about how her words could impact others.
"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," she added.
"I've 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," Escobar continued. "Growth means recognizing when you were wrong, even if it's uncomfortable, and choosing to move forward with humility and accountability."
As she finished, the now-former reality star explained that she was choosing to speak for herself and did not want anyone commenting on her behalf.
"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," she wrote.
On X, formerly Twitter, many "Love Island" viewers voiced their opinions about Escobar's statement, with many questioning its sincerity.
"Girl, you just got kicked out of the villa," one user wrote. "How much time have you really taken to reflect on this?"
"I understand why they chose to have her exit the villa, but she didn't learn anything by that," another user commented. "This apology may or may not have been genuine. Having her stay in the villa and understand the weight of the word would have either been a better lesson or shown viewers how she really feels."
"Not understanding the weight, history, or pain of the word? I don't buy it," a user posted.
"It doesn't take thinking 'deeply or critically' to know not to say the number one racial slur," another user shared. "This is so embarrassing."
However, under Escobar's Instagram post, the 27-year-old also received support from a handful of followers.
One user said, "Everybody makes mistakes," while another said, "Life is about growth and learning."
"We live, we learn, and we grow!" a third commented. "This doesn't define you. Sending you warm hugs."
Since Escobar's exit from the villa, "Love Island USA" producers have brought in two new cast members to turn up the heat, bringing the current lineup to 11.
For the women, the cast includes:
Chelley Bissainthe, 27, from Orlando, Florida
Olandria Carthen, 27, from Decatur, Alabama
Huda Mustafa, 24, from Raleigh, North Carolina
Belle-A Walker, 22, from Honolulu
Cierra Ortega, 25, from Arizona
For the men, the cast includes:
Austin Shepard, 26, from Northville, Michigan
Ace Greene, 22, from Los Angeles
Taylor Williams, 24, from Oklahoma City
Jeremiah Brown, 25, from Los Angeles
Nicolas Vansteenberghe, 24, from Jacksonville, Florida
Charlie Georgiou, 27, from the United Kingdom
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