Podcast clips of Yulissa using racial slurs resurface online, prompting her abrupt exit from the villa in Season 7’s second episode.
Los Angeles, June 5: The drama on Love Island USA Season 7 escalated off-screen as contestant Yulissa Escobar was quietly removed from the villa following backlash over resurfaced podcast clips in which she used racial slurs.
The abrupt exit occurred during the second episode of the season, with no on-screen explanation offered. At approximately the 18-minute mark, while the other contestants were waking up, series narrator Iain Stirling simply announced, “Yulissa has left the villa.” The show made no further reference to her departure, leaving viewers unclear on whether she was removed overnight or her exit was heavily edited.
Escobar, who joined the show during its premiere on June 3 on Peacock, quickly drew criticism after TMZ released clips from her past podcast appearances. In those clips, she is heard using the N-word multiple times while discussing previous relationships.
The clips ignited a wave of outrage across social media. Fans flooded Escobar’s Instagram, demanding her removal and promising to vote her off once the “Love Island” app opened submissions. As of now, Escobar has not issued a public response to the controversy.
This isn’t the only time Season 7 contestants have faced scrutiny over their online history. Shortly after the cast reveal, an online user posted screenshots of Austin Shepard’s alleged TikTok likes showing support for former President Donald Trump. Despite criticism, Shepard remains in the villa.
The remaining female islanders include Chelley Bissainthe, Huda Mustafa, Belle-A Walker, and Olandria Carthen, while the male contestants are Ace Greene, Taylor Williams, Nicolas Vansteenberghe, and Jeremiah Brown. Cierra Ortega and Charlie Georgiou entered the villa as new bombshells on opening night.
Returning to host the show this season is Ariana Madix, star of Vanderpump Rules, bringing her signature sass and energy to the island.
Season 7 of Love Island USA kicked off with some technical hiccups, experiencing a 45-minute delay at launch. Once underway, the show introduced the 10 singles competing for $100,000 and a shot at true love in the sun-drenched villa.
Despite the rocky start and controversy, Love Island USA continues to stream on Peacock, with new episodes dropping nightly.