Love Island USA’s Yulissa Escobar Breaks Silence After Sudden Exit From Show

Yulissa Escobar is speaking out after exiting the Love Island USA villa.

The reality star issued a statement addressing her abrupt departure from the Peacock series after just two episodes due to online backlash she received for using the N-word in numerous clips from resurfaced podcast appearances. 

“First, I want to apologize for using a word I had no right in using,” she wrote in a post on Instagram June 6. “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.”

Escobar, 27, went on to say she “didn’t know better” at the time but has since made efforts to “grow” from the experience.

“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,” she continued. “Growth means recognizing when you were wrong, even if it’s uncomfortable, and choosing to move forward with humility and accountability.”