Yulissa Escobar’s sudden departure from Love Island USA Season 7 sent shockwaves through the villa and viewers alike. During the second episode of Season 7, series narrator Iain Stirling announced, “Yulissa has left the villa.” Her exit came with minimal explanation, leaving fans wondering what exactly happened.
The 27-year-old Miami businesswoman’s time in the Fiji villa was cut dramatically short after just two episodes. What initially seemed like a mysterious departure has since been revealed as a consequence of past controversies coming to light.
The Controversial Exit Announcement
At around the 18-minute mark of Wednesday’s episode, as the islanders were waking up, series narrator Iain Stirling announces, “Yulissa has left the villa.” The abrupt announcement gave viewers little context about what had transpired.
Unlike traditional Love Island departures where contestants are voted off by the public or fellow islanders, Yulissa’s exit came with no on-screen fanfare or explanation. It is unclear whether Escobar was removed from the villa in the middle of the night or whether the “Love Island” editors just cut her out of the episode.
The Real Reason Behind Her Departure
Since joining the show, Escobar has faced massive online backlash after podcast clips resurfaced of her using racial slurs. The controversy erupted immediately after Peacock announced the Season 7 cast.
In the clips obtained by TMZ, she is heard using the N-word multiple times while discussing previous relationships. These resurfaced podcast appearances from years ago showed Yulissa using inappropriate racial language in casual conversation.
Fans took to social media to express their outrage by leaving hundreds of comments on her Instagram, promising to vote her off the island once submissions became available through the “Love Island” app. The backlash was swift and overwhelming, putting pressure on the show’s producers to take action.
Yulissa’s Side of the Story
One month after her departure, Yulissa took to social media to clarify what actually happened when she left the villa. “Plot twist: I wasn’t dragged out in the dark,” Yulissa captioned a July 3 TikTok video. “I walked out in broad daylight head high, lashes on.”
In her TikTok video, she detailed the actual events of her departure day. “I did not wake up in the middle of the night,” she said. “They didn’t drag my ass out of bed.” The day had started normally, with her partner Ace Greene making her breakfast.
Adding that she felt she was just “getting comfortable and just coming out of my shell,” Yulissa recalled that she and the guys were plotting to spice things up with a friendly game of spin the bottle. However, production had other plans for her.
The Moment She Was Told to Leave
Yulissa revealed the exact moment she learned she had to leave the show. “I had gotten called to the front and then I met one of the producers and they asked me to take my mic off.” She knew immediately that something serious was happening.
“I honestly got scared,” she recounted. “I thought something happened with a family member or something. They didn’t really tell me anything. They just said that a video resurfaced on the internet and it’s not looking too good.”
At that moment, she didn’t know which video they were referring to or what specific content had caused the issue. She had to wait two more days to get her phone back and discover the full extent of the controversy.
Her Public Apology
Following her exit, Yulissa issued a comprehensive apology 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,” Escobar wrote in a Friday Instagram post.
“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.”
She acknowledged her growth since those podcast appearances, stating that she has changed significantly and now understands the harm her words caused. Yulissa emphasized taking full ownership of her actions and apologized to anyone who was disappointed or offended.
Impact on Fellow Islanders
Yulissa’s sudden departure affected the other contestants in the villa. The producers came in and told us that Yulissa had to leave but didn’t tell us why. It was a somber feeling, because she did bring good energy to the crew.
Belle-A Walker, another contestant who left the show early, shared her perspective on Yulissa’s exit. “I was shocked. Moments before she was pulled, we were all having girl talk. So it was sad when she had to leave. We didn’t get the chance to say goodbye.”
The islanders were kept in the dark about the specific reasons for her departure. They only knew that she had to leave suddenly, creating confusion and concern among the group.
Fan Reactions and Social Media Response
The fan response to Yulissa’s exit was mixed but largely supportive of the show’s decision. Many viewers expressed relief that action was taken quickly, though some felt disappointed they didn’t get to vote her off themselves.
Social media comments ranged from celebration of her departure to frustration about not being able to participate in her removal through the voting process. The situation highlighted the power of social media in holding reality TV contestants accountable for past behavior.
Lessons Learned and Moving Forward
Yulissa’s experience serves as a reminder of how past actions can have present consequences, especially in the age of social media. Her story highlights the importance of accountability and growth when confronted with past mistakes.
In her final reflections on the situation, Yulissa acknowledged her wrongdoing while expressing regret. “I get it. I said a word that I should have not said. But I wish I would have never said that. It is what it is. I can’t go back in time. I am sorry that I said that word.”
The incident has sparked conversations about vetting processes for reality TV contestants and the responsibility of production companies to thoroughly research potential cast members before bringing them on shows.
The Aftermath for Love Island USA
Following Yulissa’s departure, the show continued with the remaining islanders. Her partner, Ace Greene, became single and was free to pursue connections with other contestants in the villa.
The controversy didn’t derail Season 7, but it did serve as an early dramatic moment that set a tone for accountability. The show’s quick action in addressing the situation demonstrated a commitment to maintaining standards and responding to viewer concerns.
Final Thoughts
Yulissa Escobar’s exit from Love Island USA Season 7 stands as one of the most controversial departures in the show’s history. Her story serves as a cautionary tale about the lasting impact of words and the importance of personal growth.
While her time in the villa was brief, the conversations sparked by her departure continue to resonate. The incident has prompted discussions about accountability, redemption, and the responsibilities of both contestants and production teams in reality television.
As Love Island USA continues to evolve, Yulissa’s story will likely influence how future seasons approach contestant vetting and crisis management, ensuring that the show maintains its entertainment value while upholding important social standards.
