Yulissa Escobar, a contestant from Season 7 of Love Island USA, has shared the details surrounding her unexpected exit from the villa, which followed a racism controversy involving resurfaced clips of her using racial slurs during a podcast. In a TikTok video posted on July 3, Yulissa corrected widespread assumptions about her removal, stating, “I wasn’t dragged out in the dark. I walked out in broad daylight head high, lashes on.”
Yulissa described her last day in the villa as fairly normal initially, revealing that she was enjoying breakfast made by fellow contestant Ace Greene and discussing plans with her fellow contestants. However, her routine changed when she was called to meet with producers who informed her about a serious matter.
While she could not disclose every detail, Yulissa did explain her shock upon learning that a particular video had surfaced online. “I honestly got scared. I thought something happened with a family member,” she recounted, explaining that she was not privy to outside events and did not have access to a phone or timekeeping devices.
After her dismissal, it took two days before Yulissa regained access to her phone, allowing her to fully grasp the situation as it unfolded. “I get it. I said a word that I should have not said,” she acknowledged, expressing regret for her past actions.
Her departure has sparked discussions amongst fans and contestants about the show’s dynamics and the reasons behind her exit. Previously, fellow contestant Jeremiah Brown highlighted that producers had not provided clear information during the filming, only stating that Yulissa had left due to personal reasons.
As Love Island USA continues to air new episodes, it remains to be seen how Yulissa’s exit will impact fan perceptions of this season’s events and contestants.
The unfolding events serve as a poignant reminder of the accountability that exists in reality television. Contestants are under scrutiny, and past actions can have significant consequences. Yulissa’s candid discussion may pave the way for meaningful conversations about racial sensitivity and personal growth within the reality TV realm.