Former Love Island USA contestant Yulissa Escobar is finally breaking her silence after facing intense backlash over resurfaced podcast clips in which she casually used a racial slur. The ex-Islander, who was swiftly removed from Season 7 just two episodes in, is now speaking out publicly—and she’s not holding back.
In a lengthy and emotional Instagram post, Escobar called out cancel culture, detailed the online abuse she’s endured since the clips went viral, and reminded followers that she’s a real human being behind the screen.
“This isn’t ‘woke.’ It’s abuse,” she wrote.
“One mistake does not define a human. And that moment? Was four years ago. I’ve clearly grown, and I’m just getting started.”
The Clip That Sparked a Firestorm
ICYMI: Yulissa had barely stepped foot into the villa on Love Island USA Season 7 when old podcast footage began making rounds online. In the video, she’s heard using a racial slur in what appears to be a casual and unfiltered moment.
The footage enraged fans and sparked a viral backlash across platforms like TikTok and X (formerly Twitter), prompting producers to quietly remove Yulissa from the show without explanation during episode two.
Though Peacock never issued a public statement, fans immediately put two and two together—and the cancellation campaign was in full swing.
Yulissa Speaks Out: “The Truth Matters”
Now back online after her early exit, Yulissa took to Instagram to set the record straight. She claims the video in question wasn’t recent as many assumed—it was recorded in 2021, not 2024.
“I know the truth—and the truth matters,” she emphasized in her post.
She insists the video doesn’t reflect who she is today and believes people have ignored the context and her growth since then.
“People forget I’m a real person with real feelings. I was off the grid, no phone, no idea this was even happening. Coming back felt like walking into a warzone—cruelty trending, justice distorted.”
“This Is Bullying, Not Accountability”
Escobar described the backlash she’s received as abusive, not corrective. She says the original goal of cancel culture—holding people accountable—has been lost, replaced by mob mentality and digital harassment.
She revealed she’s received death threats and messages telling her to take her own life, all stemming from one viral moment.
“This is bullying dressed up as activism,” she said.
“Somewhere along the way, people stopped seeing each other as people. We’ve lost our humanity.”
Escobar made it clear she’s not excusing her past but wants others to understand that growth is possible, and one mistake shouldn’t cancel an entire future.
“I’m Just Getting Started”
Despite the controversy and the show’s decision to cut her journey short, Yulissa remains hopeful. She closed her statement by asserting that she won’t be defined by this one moment, and that her journey is far from over.
“This is NOT where my story ends,” she wrote.
“I’ve clearly grown. And I’m just getting started.”
Still No Bad Blood with Love Island?
Interestingly, Yulissa doesn’t appear to harbor resentment toward Love Island USA or Peacock. She even posted a lighthearted photo featuring her personalized suitcase from the show with the caption:
“And in case you forgot the name … it’s written on the suitcase.😉 I still had a timeee!”
Whether this was a subtle dig or a sign of closure, fans are divided—but the message is clear: she’s reclaiming her narrative.
Online Reactions: A Mixed Bag
The internet remains deeply divided on Escobar’s comeback message.
🗣️ Supporters say she deserves a second chance:
- “People grow. She was young. Let’s not ruin someone’s life for one dumb podcast moment.”
- “She took accountability and explained herself. That’s more than most.”
🚫 Critics aren’t buying it:
- “Casually dropping slurs isn’t a ‘mistake.’ It’s a reflection of character.”
- “Too little, too late. She only spoke out because she got caught.”
The debate continues to heat up in fan forums, Reddit threads, and Instagram comment sections.
What’s Next for Yulissa?
No word yet on what Yulissa’s next move will be, but based on her statement, she has no intention of fading quietly into the background. Whether it’s a rebrand, a podcast of her own, or using her platform to advocate for mental health and redemption, she’s clearly plotting a comeback.
💬 Join the Conversation:
Do you think Yulissa Escobar deserves a second chance?
Is cancel culture going too far—or doing its job?
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