"I was speaking casually" — Love Island USA star Yulissa issues public apology after resurfaced podcast clip with a racial slur goes viral

Following the reemergence of past podcast clips in which she used a racial slur, Yulissa Escobar, a former competitor on Love Island USA Season 7, posted an apology. Her sudden departure from the show during episode 2 was caused by the controversy that surfaced soon after the season debut. Recognizing the hurt and historical significance of the phrase she used, Escobar released a message on Instagram on June 6, 2025, expressing her profound regret for her previous comments:

"At the time, I was speaking casually in conversation, not thinking deeply or critically about what I was saying. But that doesn’t take away from how wrong it was. 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 wrote.

The Love Island USA star made it clear that her intentions did not negate the consequences of her comments and that she accepts full responsibility for her conduct.

In the second episode of the show, Escobar's departure from the villa was mentioned by the narrator, who announced her departure without providing any additional context. There was a lot of outrage and requests for her removal as the resurrected videos went viral online.

Escobar also addressed false information that has been going around about her in her message, asking followers to use her formal apologies as the only thing she has spoken about it. She reaffirmed her dedication to accountability and personal development in her closing remarks.

Love Island USA’s Yulissa Escobar issues public apology for resurfaced racial slur

A Love Island USA Season 7 contestant named Yulissa Escobar has issued a public apology after previous podcast clips of her using a racial slur surfaced. She abruptly left the show during its second episode, which aired on June 4, 2025, as a result of the scandal. Yulissa addressed the event head-on and expressed her sincere regret for her behavior in an emotional Instagram post on June 6:

"First, I want to apologize for using a word I had no right in using," Yulissa began. "Podcast clips from years ago have recently resurfaced, and I want to address it directly. 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."

Yulissa emphasized her personal growth since the time of the recordings, stating:

"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."

Along with everything, she also talked about the rumors getting circulated online about her:

"There have also been fake statements circulating, things written or said by others that don’t reflect me or my heart. I want to clarify that this is my voice and my words. I don’t need anyone to speak for me. I’m choosing to speak for myself because I take full ownership of my actions," Escobar wrote.

"To those who are disappointed or offended, I understand and I apologize. I am sorry," the Love Island USA star concluded.

Yulissa ended her apology by acknowledging the ones who were affected.

Discussions concerning accountability and the significance of being aware of the consequences of one's remarks, particularly when in the public eye, have been spurred by the occurrence.

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Watch how things turn out for Ace after his partner, Yulissa, left Love Island USA Season 7 unannounced.

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