Yulissa Escobar’s sudden exit from Love Island USA during the second episode of Season 7 has stirred speculation among fans. The departure, shown without context or explanation, left her co-stars and viewers in the dark.
The twist was revealed with show narrator Iain Stirling announcing “Yulissa has left the villa” about 18 minutes into the show, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Yulissa, who had been coupled up with Ace Greene, was then noticeably absent from the villa.
What we know
What the show didn’t mention—but what fans already knew—was that Yulissa had come under fire online after old podcast clips surfaced revealing a use of racial slurs. In the recordings, which spread across social media as the show launched on Tuesday night, Yulissa can be heard using the N-word multiple times while discussing past relationships, as first reported by TMZ.
Newsweek has contacted both Yulissa and Peacock via email for comment.
Yulissa Escobar (left) exited “Love Island USA” in the show’s second episode of Season 7.
Yulissa Escobar (left) exited “Love Island USA” in the show’s second episode of Season 7.
Ben Symons/Peacock
Her social media has remained silent since the episode aired, and she has not publicly addressed the backlash.
What Else Happened in ‘Love Island’ Last Night?
Episode 2 delivered on the drama promised in the season premiere, picking up right where host Ariana Madix left viewers hanging—with the introduction of two new Bombshells, Cierra Ortega and Charlie Georgiou. After a round of raised hands from interested Islanders, Cierra and Charlie each selected one contestant for an overnight hideaway date: Nicolas Vansteenberghe and Chelley Bissainthe. Sparks flew, with Nicolas and Cierra sharing a kiss.
The villa also saw its first moments of tension. Jeremiah Brown confronted Huda Mustafa over whether she kissed another contestant during a game. After clearing the air in the morning, their relationship appeared back on track. Meanwhile, Taylor Williams and Olandria Carthen navigated a similar hiccup with ease when she admitted to kissing Ace Greene.
As the day progressed, the Bombshells made their rounds, getting to know the rest of the cast. Jeremiah stayed loyal to Huda, despite a chat with Cierra, and Belle-A Walker gracefully handled Nicolas breaking the news about his new connection.
Couples
- Cierra Ortega & Nicolas Vansteenberghe
- Huda Mustafa & Jeremiah Brown
- Olandria Carthen & Taylor Williams
- Chelley Bissainthe & Austin Shepard
Single
- Belle-A Walker
- Ace Greene
- Charlie Georgiou
The episode ended with a surprise recoupling at the fire pit. Islanders were asked if they wanted to stay in their current pairings or opt to recouple. Cierra ultimately chose Nicolas, while Charlie was left single after no women stepped forward for him.