Love Island USA‘s Yulissa Escobar spoke out for the first time after being removed from the hit Peacock series for past racist posts.
“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,” Yulissa wrote via Instagram on Friday, June 6. “In those clips, I used a word I never should’ve used, a racial slur.”
Yulissa addressed the clips, which circulated online, adding, “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.”
The reality TV star expressed remorse for her past comments.
“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 noted. “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.”
Yulissa continued: “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.”
In her statement, Yulissa called out false posts attributed to her as well.
“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,” she added. “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.”
Yulissa concluded: “To those who are disappointed or offended, I understand and I apologize. I am sorry.”
The second episode of season 7, which aired on Wednesday, June 4, revealed that Yulissa was leaving the show after clips of her using racial slurs on a podcast circulated online. Yulissa’s abrupt departure was explained away when narrator Iain Stirling announced that she “has left the villa.”
The rest of the contestants didn’t discuss Yulissa’s disappearance except when fellow contestant Ace Greene acknowledged that he is now single again after previously pairing off with her. The shocking exit came after TMZ posted footage of Yulissa using the n-word several times during podcast appearances.
New episodes of Love Island USA will be released six days a week — except for Wednesdays — on Peacock.
