Love Island USA’s Yulissa Escober, who was booted from the show after past footage of her using the n-word during a past podcast episode resurfaced online, has issued a public apology.
“First, I want to apologize for using a word I had no right in using. Podcast clips from years ago have recently resurfaced, and I want to address it directly,” she wrote via Instagram.
She continued, “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. I wasn’t trying to be offensive or harmful, but I recognize now that intention doesn’t excuse impact. And the impact of that word is real. It’s tied to generations of trauma, and it is not mine to use.”
Before being removed from the show, Yulissa was liked by the public but was removed during the second episode of the show. She had been coupled up with house favorite, Ace.
“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 added.
The reality star says she is taking full accountability for her actions and apologized to those she may have offended.
Love Island USA streams Thursday through Tuesday at 9/8c on Peacock.
