Love Island USA season 7 contestant Yulissa Escobar has exited the show just two episodes in—following online backlash over resurfaced videos of her using racial slurs.
Image source: Instagram/loveislandusa
The reason for her departure was not officially stated in the episode, but fans were quick to connect the timing to the controversy. Around 18 minutes into Wednesday night’s episode, narrator Iain Stirling simply stated, “Yulissa has left the villa.” Escobar was previously coupled up with Islander Ace Greene, who confirmed he is now single.
Escobar began trending on social media soon after the show’s cast was revealed last week. Podcast clips surfaced online showing her allegedly using the N-word multiple times. The clips, obtained by TMZ, triggered widespread backlash across social platforms.
Image source: Instagram/yulissaaescobar
Because contestants are cut off from outside communication while in the villa, Escobar has not yet addressed the controversy publicly.
Peacock, the network airing Love Island USA, released a brief statement echoing Stirling’s on-air comment, declining to elaborate further on the reason behind her exit.
The rest of the season 7 cast remains in the villa, including Chelley Bissainthe, Huda Mustafa, Belle-A Walker, Olandria Carthen, Ace Greene, Taylor Williams, Nicolas Vansteenberghe, Jeremiah Brown, and Austin Shepard.
However, controversy is not limited to Escobar. Islander Austin Shepard has also come under scrutiny after social media users exposed TikTok activity appearing to show him liking pro-Trump content. Despite criticism, he has not been removed and continues to participate in the show.
Love Island USA season 7 is currently streaming on Peacock with Ariana Madix returning as host. Episode 1 ended with two new bombshells, Cierra Ortega and Charlie Georgiou, entering the villa.