Latest news with #YulissaEscobar
The Sun
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Love Island USA star Yulissa Escobar looks bleary-eyed in mug shot for DUI arrest after she ‘took shot' at tequila bar
LOVE Island USA star Yulissa Escobar appeared bleary-eyed in a mug shot for a 2024 DUI arrest and admitted to drinking at a tequila bar before getting behind the wheel. Yulissa, 27, appeared on the show's current season for the premiere episode and was kicked off after a video of her making racist remarks resurfaced on social media. 6 6 6 In the incident report exclusively obtained by The U.S. Sun, Yulissa was arrested and charged with driving under the influence in Miami. In the July 24, 2024 report, an officer spotted a black Acura that was 'all over the roadway' and 'unable to maintain a lane.' The car 'nearly at times collided with the median concrete wall.' The incident report read, 'The defendant was observed to have bloodshot, watery eyes, and I could smell an odor of an unknown alcohol beverage emitting from inside the vehicle.' She told the officer she was coming from her job at Pilo's Tequila Garden. Yulissa told the officer that she had nothing to drink and claimed to have been 'driving normally.' The officer had her step out of the vehicle and asked if she would be willing to perform standardized field sobriety tests to determine if she was okay to continue to drive. 'She ultimately agreed to perform the tests,' the report read. 'As the Defendant spoke to me, I could smell an unknown odor of an alcoholic beverage emanating from her face and mouth area. 'When asked again if she had consumed any alcoholic beverage, the defendant stated that she had a shot with one of her clients at work.' The officer noted she was unable to keep balance while listening to instructions, started before instructions were finished and used her arms for balance. During the one-leg stand she swayed while balancing, used her arms to balance and put her foot down. The report continued to allege, 'The defendant was advised that she was being arrested for driving under the influence. At approximately 3:57am she was placed in handcuffs with a double lock.' She refused to give a sample of her breath to determine the blood alcohol content. 'The defendant was allowed to call her family members to pick up her car,' the report read. 'While speaking on the phone with her family, she made multiple spontaneous statements about her drinking and driving.' She was booked and charged with DUI. She paid a $1,000 bond. In her mug shot, she appeared solemn and bleary-eyed. 6 IN COURT Yulissa pleaded not guilty to the charge against her in court, calling the arrest "unlawful." A jury trial was set in the case. But then on March 19, 2025, Yulissa waived her right to a speedy trial and agreed to the Back on Track Program. The terms read, 'If you are accepted by the State Attorney's Office and comply and successfully complete all conditions of the Back on Track Program, you will then be able to enter a plea and receive a withhold of adjudication on a reduced charge of reckless driving." The length of participation is 12 months for a DUI-tier II and she will receive a suspended sentence, which means no jail time. Her next court hearing is April 6, 2026. Yulissa did not immediately respond to The U.S. Sun's request for comment. OUT OF THE VILLA Yulissa was cut from the villa off-camera in just the second episode of the season before any of her fellow Islanders had even woken up. She had been an original islander on season 7 of Love Island USA, which premiered earlier this month. Her exit came after old podcast clips emerged on Reddit, showing Yulissa using the N-word while talking about her ex-boyfriends. Last week, Yulissa broke her silence over social media when she returned home from Love Island USA 's villa. She wrote on Instagram, "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. "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. "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. 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. "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. Growth means recognizing when you were wrong, even if it's uncomfortable, and choosing to move forward with humility and accountability." She ended, "To those who are disappointed or offended, I understand and I apologize. I am sorry." She then posted how cancel culture is not "accountability" and is instead "online brutality," as she has received death threats. She wrote, 'No one deserves to be erased over one moment. For the ones who didn't make it — may you rest in peace. For the ones who are scared to speak — I got you. And for myself — because I'm done staying quiet. 'My name is Yulissa Escobar. And this is NOT where my story ends. One mistake does not define a human. And that moment? Was four years ago. I've clearly grown and I'm just getting started.' LOVE ISLAND USA SEASON 7 CAST Love Island USA has returned to Peacock for Season 7 with a new cast - and new drama! Check out the cast of Love Island USA below. Original cast members: -Chelley Bissainthe, 27, Orlando, Florida -Huda Mustafa, 24, Raleigh, North Carolina -Olandria Carthen, 27, Decatur, Alabama -Belle-A Walker, 22, Honolulu, Hawaii (Eliminated) -Yulissa Escobar, 27, Miami, Florida (Removed from house) -Ace Greene, 22, Los Angeles, California -Taylor Williams, 24, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma -Nicolas Vansteenberghe, 24, Jacksonville, Florida -Austin Shepard, 26, Northville, Michigan -Jeremiah Brown, 25, Los Angeles, California Bombshells: -Cierra Ortega, 25, Los Angeles, California -Charlie Georgiou, 27, United Kingdom (Eliminated) -Hannah Fields. 23, Tucson, Arizona -Amaya Espinal, 25, New York, New York -Iris Kendall, 25, Los Angeles, California -Pepe Garcia, 27, Los Angeles California -Jalen Brown, 27, Sparta, Georgia (Eliminated) TIME ON LOVE ISLAND USA Yulissa was coupled up with Ace Greene. Since Yulissa left the show, Ace coupled up with Amaya Espinal. On Tuesday night's recoupling, he chose to be with Chelley Bissainthe after the two showed interest in each other all season, but played hard to get. Love Island USA airs new episodes daily (except Wednesdays) at 9 p.m. EDT on Peacock. 6 6
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Why Did Yulissa Escobar Leave Love Island USA Season 7? Exit Explained
Yulissa Escobar's time on Love Island USA Season 7 was cut short, as she had to leave just one day after the premiere. Fans barely had time to get to know her before the show dropped the news in Episode 2. No dramatic farewell, no emotional goodbye, just an abrupt exit that left everyone wondering: What really happened? Yulissa Escobar's leaving Love Island USA Season 7 came after controversy arose over resurfaced podcast clips where she used racial slurs. TMZ obtained audio of her repeatedly using the N-word while discussing past relationships, leading to immediate backlash from viewers. Fans flooded social media, demanding her removal from the show and vowing to vote her off once the option became available, and it seems producers listened. While Love Island USA Season 7 didn't give a detailed explanation for her exit, the timing speaks for itself. The show addressed her exit subtly as around the 17-minute mark of Episode 2, narrator Iain Stirling simply stated, 'Yulissa has left the villa.' It remains unclear whether producers asked Escobar to leave Love Island USA or if she exited voluntarily. However, given the growing controversy, her removal appears to be a direct response to the backlash. Furthermore, she has not publicly addressed the situation. This isn't the first time a Love Island franchise has dealt with contestant controversies. The UK version recently replaced a cast member as well. Kyle Ashman, who was previously questioned in a machete attack case and denied involvement, also had to leave. Now, with Escobar gone, the remaining female Islanders include Chelley Bissainthe, Huda Mustafa, Belle-A Walker, and Olandria Carthen. The male contestants are Ace Greene, Taylor Williams, Nicolas Vansteenberghe, and Jeremiah Brown. New arrivals Cierra Ortega and Charlie Georgiou entered as bombshells on the first night. Hosted by Vanderpump Rules star Ariana Madix, Love Island USA Season 7 premiered on June 3 on Peacock after a brief delay due to technical issues. The show continues as singles compete for love and a $100,000 prize. The post Why Did Yulissa Escobar Leave Love Island USA Season 7? Exit Explained appeared first on - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
What Happened to Yulissa Escobar on Love Island USA?
Love Island USA Season 7 contestant Yulissa Escobar has addressed rumors regarding her exit and her previous podcast clips that caused controversy. The 27-year-old reality TV star apologized on Instagram for using a racial slur 'ignorantly' in an old podcast recording. The Love Island star who left the show abruptly in Episode 2 stated that she wanted to 'take full ownership' of her actions. Yulissa Escobar of Love Island USA Season 7 has shared an Instagram carousel dedicated to her brief time on the dating show. In other posts, Escobar reflected on her mistake of using a racial slur, clips of which resurfaced during her time at the show. She did not reveal if her controversial podcast clips were the reason for her sudden exit from Love Island. In the much-discussed podcast clips, Escobar could be heard using the n-word to talk about one of her former flames, TMZ reported. On Instagram, Escovar addressed the 'hate' surrounding the clips as she made a post about 'cancel culture' and taking accountability for her actions. In her official statement after the Love Island exit, Escobar wrote, 'Podcast clips from years ago have recently resurfaced, and I want to address it directly.' She continued, '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.' In another post, Escobar emphasized the downside of 'cancel culture,' noting, it 'isn't accountability. It's online brutality.' The TV star complained regarding 'viral hate,' adding, 'People swear cancel culture is about accountability… But now it's just viral for likes. Twisted into clickbait. A trend for clout.' Escobar also addressed the controversy regarding a podcast featuring her, reiterating that the video in question was from 2021. She explained, 'Now people are spreading lies saying it's from 2024. It's not. I know the truth.' The social media personality further stated, 'That video doesn't define me. But how the internet treats people? That says everything.' In one of her most recent posts regarding Love Island USA, Escobar flaunted her bikini body with a caption that supposedly refers to her short time on the show. The star gushed, 'And in case you forgot the name… it's written on the suitcase. I still had a timeee!' The post What Happened to Yulissa Escobar on Love Island USA? appeared first on - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More.
Refinery29
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Refinery29
Yulissa Escobar Does Represent Our Community. And That's the Problem.
Another Latina stepped in it — again. This time it was Yulissa Escobar who, checks notes, made it through just two days of filming Love Island USA before getting booted from the villa. The Cuban American saw her dreams of small-screen fame come to an end on June 4 after TMZ and Reddit users shared two clips of her casually using the N-word on podcasts. And if Escobar would say that while being recorded, what is she saying off camera? Since it all went down, she apologized. 'I want to apologize for using a word I had no right in using,' she said in an Instagram post on June 6. '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.' As the videos of Escobar so casually saying the N-word resurfaced, so did a now-deleted TikTok video where she talked about losing social media followers because of her support for President Donald Trump. As funny TikTok skits of Love Island USA producers pulling Escobar out of her bed in the middle of the night go viral and as online commentators point to her Miami Cuban roots to minimize her anti-Blackness, it's tempting to just throw Escobar away, to vote her off the proverbial Latinidad island, but actually we need to reckon with her. After all, 39% of Latinas voted for Trump, in tacit support of his vision of a U.S. optimized for white Anglo men at the expense of everyone else. And no, they weren't all Miami Cubans. ' "If you're not Black, you shouldn't say the N-word. It's that simple." cristina escobar ' Escobar is hardly the only non-Black Latina to drop the N-word. Generally scandal-free Jennifer Lopez got in trouble for doing it on her 2001 track 'I'm Real (Murder Remix)' with Ja Rule. In 2019, Jane the Virgin (and now Will Trent) star Gina Rodriguez caught heat for recording herself using it. And in Latine neighborhoods across the country, the slur slips out of non-Black Latine mouths as commonly as 'mija' or 'nena.' So what's going on here? There appears to be some confusion about our place in the U.S.' racial hierarchy. While Latinidad is an ethnic identity, not a racial one, and Latines come in every race, it's true that the U.S. has attempted to racialize Latinidad in an effort to mark us, even the white Latines among us, as different than the Anglo, gringo, or White-with-a-capital-W people who see themselves as the 'real' Americans. But if you're not Black, you shouldn't say the N-word. It's that simple. And while some Latines are Black, many are not — including Escobar, Lopez, and Rodriguez. Their Latinidad doesn't give them (or anyone) honorary Black status. Living in neighborhoods that are majority Black doesn't give non-Black Latines Black status. Dating someone who is Black doesn't give non-Black Latines Black status. Having Black relatives doesn't give non-Black Latines Black status. Feeling a shared struggle with Black folks does not give non-Black Latines Black status. ' "Oftentimes, those non-Black Latines who throw the N-word around casually, like it's theirs to hurl, want to have it both ways. When it suits them, they're 'women of color' who want street cred and access to Black communities. But when they see it as more advantageous to align with non-Latine white people, they switch." cristina escobar ' Oftentimes, those non-Black Latines who throw the N-word around casually, like it's theirs to hurl, want to have it both ways. When it suits them, they're 'women of color' who want street cred and access to Black communities. But when they see it as more advantageous to align with non-Latine white people, they switch. Think of Lopez playing an Italian woman in 2001's The Wedding Planner — yes, the same year she released that version of 'I'm Real.' And as the last election cycle has shown, large portions of Latines are aligning themselves with whiteness, including those who are themselves racially white but also many who are not but hope their proximity to whiteness, their allegiance to whiteness, will guard them from the country's racial war against "the other" — even white "others" with Spanish surnames. And when that happens, we get Trump in the White House, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers terrorizing our communities, and an authoritarian regime that is making Latin American dictators jealous. And as more Latine Trump supporters around the country are realizing amid massive ICE raids, this white loyalty won't save them — it never has and it never will. As a group and as individuals, we need to have a better understanding of what it means to be a non-Black Latine. We need to have the conversations — about ethnicity versus race, about privilege, and about organizing for social justice. There are plenty of people who think the whole concept of Latinidad is a sham, that either it reinforces white supremacy by marking us as different from Black and Indigenous folks or it hurts us by marking us (even the European-descended people among us) as not-white. I see truth in both of these takes. But what if we used the Latine marker as an organizing principle to call for change? We could be a powerful force inside the U.S. if we were better organized. After all, we're the biggest 'minority,' we account for most of the nation's growth, and we'd be the fifth-largest economy in the world if we were counted by ourselves. But too often we fail to leverage that power to advance our needs. Instead, more than a third of Latines lie to themselves and their communities about what their identity means in the United States today. We need to call them out and call them in. Yes, maybe Chicanas have a different frame than Cuban Americans. Maybe experiences in the Northeast look different from those in the Southwest. Maybe someone who looks like Escobar believes her pretty privilege will carry her through whatever mess her surname and ethnicity might get her into — and maybe, where she's from, it has. ' "We need to have a better understanding of what it means to be a non-Black Latine. We need to have the conversations — about ethnicity versus race, about privilege, and about organizing for social justice." ' But regardless of our individual circumstances, we need to get to work if we're ever going to stop being 'sleeping giants' and just be giants. First, we need accountability. I'm glad Escobar got booted from Love Island USA, but white-led corporations are going to be doing less and less of that stuff as we descend further into Trump's second term. So what can we do? Escobar has nearly 70,000 followers on her Instagram — if you're one of them, consider unfollowing her and telling her why: that using the N-word is unacceptable and so is voting against the rights of the racially and ethnically marginalized. When folks online or in your personal life do racist things, don't let it slide. Tell them it's unacceptable around you and mean it. Additionally, follow Black people online and support their work. If you want more examples of why Escobar's path is so foolish, I recommend Franchesca Ramsey's feed. Her 'I never thought the leopards would eat my fact' bit is a hilariously evergreen diddy about how quickly those who claim proximity to whiteness will see that their allegiance does not protect them. ' "We need to get to work if we're ever going to stop being 'sleeping giants' and just be giants." ' That brings me to being in actual alliance with Black communities, whether they're also Latine or not. Stop begrudging their success — Black communities didn't take anything from non-Black Latines — and, instead, support their artists, marches, and ballot measures without trying to take over or make them about you. Encourage your non-Black Latine friends and family members to do the same. Finally, let's learn from them. Black folks in the U.S. have been organizing for a more just society — that benefits all of us — for a long time. They've built a community consensus and institutions that we could emulate. Let's learn and see where we get. I bet it'll be a lot better than watching one of ours implode on Love Island USA while ICE disappears people — non-citizens and citizens alike — on U.S. streets.
The Sun
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Axed Love Island star slams online death threats after being kicked off the show for racist slurs
AN axed Love Island star has slammed online death threats after being kicked off the show for racist slurs. Yulissa Escobar, 27, was cut from the villa off-camera in just the second episode of the season, before any of her fellow Islanders had even woken up. 4 She had been an original islander on season 7 of Love Island USA, which launched earlier this month. Her exit came after old podcast clips emerged on Reddit, showing Yulissa using the N-word while talking about her ex-boyfriends. The former islander has now fired back at online trolls, in an Instagram post titled "Accountable, Not Erased". She penned: "People swear cancel culture is about accountability... But now it's just viral hate." Continuing, Yulissa explained how she had received death threats along with "messages saying I should kill myself". She added: "That video doesn't define me. This isn't "woke". It's abuse." Yulissa also reiterated her determination, telling followers "this is NOT where my story ends." She said: "One mistake does not define a human. And that moment? Was four years ago. I've clearly grown and I'm just getting started." One person commented: "All the playbook move to become the victim after owning it people truly cannot resist this move, hilarious and so predictable." Another remarked: "But why were you saying the n word in 2021? You're grown enough." Inside Love Island USA's villa featuring a speakeasy, sauna and hideaway stocked with condoms and handcuffs- Others showed support towards Yulissa, as one shared: "Love you yuli. No one deserves this kind of hate, those who know you love you PERIOD." Another chimed in: "I felt every word of this. I can definitely relate! "The way online hate can consume and distort reality is terrifying. Thank you for speaking out with so much honesty and courage." After the podcast clips resurfaced, furious fans flooded her Instagram, vowing to get her booted off Love Island. Yulissa issued a lengthy apology, posting under the caption: "Owning my mistakes, speaking my truth." She wrote: '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. '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. '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. "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. '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. "Growth means recognizing when you were wrong, even if it's uncomfortable, and choosing to move forward with humility and accountability. 'There have also been fake statements circulating, things written or said by others that don't reflect me or my heart. I want to clarify that this is my voice and my words. I don't need anyone to speak for me. "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. 'To those who are disappointed or offended, I understand and I apologize. I am sorry.' 4 4
