Peacock revealed the cast of “Love Island USA” at the end of May 2025. Following this announcement, a viral video surfaced showing Yulissa Escobar, a new islander, using the N-word on a previous podcast.
In the second episode of the season that aired on June 4, 2025, the show’s narrator, Iain Stirling, disclosed that Escobar had been removed from the villa by the producers. Many viewers speculated that her elimination was a result of her controversial remarks from the past.
Subsequently, Escobar, having had time to digest the news of her disqualification from competing for the $100,000 prize on the latest season of “Love Island,” issued an apology. However, the response from fans has been mixed.
Article continues below advertisement
A Former ‘Love Island’ Cast Member Has Apologized For Using A Racial Slur After Being Removed From The Villa
On Instagram, Escobar posted a graphic that read, “Owning my mistakes; speaking my truth.”
In the caption, she wrote, “First, I want to apologize for using a word I had no right in using,” referring to viral clips of her using the N-word while speaking about men during a previous podcast episode.
“In those clips, I used a word I never should’ve used, a racial slur,” she wrote. “I used it ignorantly, not fully understanding the weight, history, or pain behind it.”
She continued, “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.”
Article continues below advertisement
Escobar Claims She’s Changed Her Ways Since Saying The N-Word In The Past
Elsewhere, in her caption, Escobar explained that when she used the word, she was “speaking casually in conversation” and wasn’t thinking “deeply or critically” about how her words could impact others.
“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,” she added.
“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,” Escobar continued. “Growth means recognizing when you were wrong, even if it’s uncomfortable, and choosing to move forward with humility and accountability.”
As she finished, the now-former reality star explained that she was choosing to speak for herself and did not want anyone commenting on her behalf.
Article continues below advertisement
“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,” she wrote.
Article continues below advertisement
Fans Share Strong Reactions To ‘Love Island’ Contestant’s Apology
On X, formerly Twitter, many “Love Island” viewers voiced their opinions about Escobar’s statement, with many questioning its sincerity.
“Girl, you just got kicked out of the villa,” one user wrote. “How much time have you really taken to reflect on this?”
“I understand why they chose to have her exit the villa, but she didn’t learn anything by that,” another user commented. “This apology may or may not have been genuine. Having her stay in the villa and understand the weight of the word would have either been a better lesson or shown viewers how she really feels.”
Article continues below advertisement
‘Love Island’ Watchers Aren’t Interested In Escobar’s Apology
“Not understanding the weight, history, or pain of the word? I don’t buy it,” a user posted.
“It doesn’t take thinking ‘deeply or critically’ to know not to say the number one racial slur,” another user shared. “This is so embarrassing.”
Others Are Offering Escobar Grace Following Her Offensive Comments
However, under Escobar’s Instagram post, the 27-year-old also received support from a handful of followers.
One user said, “Everybody makes mistakes,” while another said, “Life is about growth and learning.”
“We live, we learn, and we grow!” a third commented. “This doesn’t define you. Sending you warm hugs.”
Since Escobar’s exit from the villa, “Love Island USA” producers have brought in two new cast members to turn up the heat, bringing the current lineup to 11.
For the women, the cast includes:
- Chelley Bissainthe, 27, from Orlando, Florida
- Olandria Carthen, 27, from Decatur, Alabama
- Huda Mustafa, 24, from Raleigh, North Carolina
- Belle-A Walker, 22, from Honolulu
- Cierra Ortega, 25, from Arizona
For the men, the cast includes:
Article continues below advertisement
- Austin Shepard, 26, from Northville, Michigan
- Ace Greene, 22, from Los Angeles
- Taylor Williams, 24, from Oklahoma City
- Jeremiah Brown, 25, from Los Angeles
- Nicolas Vansteenberghe, 24, from Jacksonville, Florida
- Charlie Georgiou, 27, from the United Kingdom
