Kiss, steal, repeat: Yulissa shakes things up by stealing Ace from Chelley on Love Island USA

Chelley from Love Island USA. Image via Instagram /@_slimthin
Chelley from Love Island USA. Image via Instagram /@_slimthin

Love Island USA Season 7 kicked off with no shortage of romantic sparks—or unexpected chaos. In the very first episode, viewers were hit with a surprise reunion, a mid-ceremony twist, and the season’s first love triangle.

At the center of it all? Chelley Bissainthe, Ace Greene, and Yulissa Escobar. What began as a sweet rekindling between two Instagram acquaintances quickly escalated into an early-game steal that sent ripples through the villa. With the show’s new rule, letting girls kiss two boys before choosing one, the premiere set up its romantic chessboard, and it didn’t take long for someone to make a bold move.


The first Love Island USA twist: Chelley and Ace's surprise reunion

Before the drama, there was a spark of surprise. When Ace walked into the Love Island USA villa, Chelley’s reaction said it all:

“Wait, wait, wait. This can’t be real life,” she blurted out, visibly stunned.

Ace, equally taken aback, responded with a knowing smile and a hug:

“I know you!”

As it turns out, the two had briefly crossed paths outside a New York club and later stayed connected on Instagram. That shared history was enough to give Chelley confidence during the first coupling ceremony. She chose Ace without hesitation, and for a moment, it looked like this connection might have staying power. Their comfort with each other added a unique energy to the group dynamic, until the twist arrived.


The unexpected steal: Yulissa makes her move

Enter Yulissa Escobar, fashion-forward, confident, and completely unbothered by existing connections. As the last girl on Love Island USA to make her pick during the coupling ceremony, she took full advantage of the new twist.

The rules? Girls could kiss two guys before choosing one to couple up with. Yulissa, not one to play it safe, went straight for Ace, even though he was already paired with Chelley. Her kiss wasn’t just a test, it was a statement. When the dust settled, she picked Ace as her partner, leaving Chelley stunned and reassigned to her second choice, Austin Shepard.

The moment sparked immediate chatter both inside and outside the Love Island USA villa, as fans took to social media to weigh in. It was the first bold move of the season, and Yulissa made sure everyone was watching.


Chelley's response: Grace under pressure

Getting your guy stolen on national television isn’t exactly a dream scenario, but Chelley handled it with the kind of composure that deserves credit. Rather than reacting with drama or bitterness, she took the shift in stride.

She was quick to recognize that the rules of Love Island USA are designed for switches, surprises, and second chances. Though she ended up coupled with Austin, Chelley kept things open, showing maturity and optimism in the face of an early blow. Her grace didn’t go unnoticed, Love Island USA viewers online praised her calm reaction, especially given the circumstances. In a villa known for its fiery confrontations, Chelley’s cool-headedness stood out.


The aftermath: Tensions rise and alliances shift

With Ace now paired with Yulissa, things in the Love Island USA villa got noticeably more complicated. There was no explosive confrontation, but the tension was there. Chelley and Ace’s prior connection lingered in the air, and even Yulissa seemed to sense that this wasn’t a clean break.

A post-coupling chat on Love Island USA between Ace and Chelley revealed lingering curiosity on both sides. Their shared past might be short, but it clearly left an impression. Meanwhile, Yulissa’s move put her on everyone’s radar, not just romantically but strategically. The other Love Island USA Islanders were now acutely aware that loyalties could shift at any moment, and that even early bonds weren’t safe. With recoupling always a looming possibility, no one could afford to get too comfortable.


Looking ahead: What’s next for the trio?

As Love Island USA Season 7 progresses, the dynamics between Chelley, Ace, and Yulissa continue to evolve, although now, the triangle has been cut short. Just as viewers were starting to invest in the tangled connection, a major twist shook things up: Yulissa was made to leave the villa. Her removal was due to the resurfacing of old podcast clips in which she used racial slurs, including the N-word. The clips, which gained attention online, led to widespread backlash and calls for her dismissal from the show.

With Yulissa gone, Ace is back in the mix and Chelley might have a clearer shot at reconnecting. But in true Love Island USA fashion, peace in the villa never lasts long. New bombshells are always around the corner, and the emotional game is just getting started. Whether Chelley and Ace find their way back to each other or new twists send them in different directions, one thing’s certain, this season isn’t slowing down anytime soon.

Edited by Sarah Nazamuddin Harniswala