Yulissa Escobar is breaking her silence on her sudden exit from Love Island USA.
The day after season 7 of the reality series premiered on Peacock, fans were shocked when the show announced that Yulissa, 27, had been removed from the Villa and kicked off the show after old videos of her using racial slurs resurfaced online.
In a new statement posted to Instagram on Friday (June 6), Yulissa addressed her exit from the show and apologized for her actions.
Keep reading to find out more…“First, I want to apologize for using a word I had no right in using,” Yulissa started. “Podcast clips from years ago have recently resurfaced, and I want to address it directly.”
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.”
“At the time, I was speaking casually in conversation, not thinking deeply or critically about what I was saying,” Yulissa wrote. “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 went on, “I’ve changed a lot since then, not just in how I speak, but in how I show up, how I carry myself, and how I honor the experiences of others. Growth means recognizing when you were wrong, even if it’s uncomfortable, and choosing to move forward with humility and accountability.”
“There have also been fake statements circulating, things written or said by others that don’t reflect me or my heart,” Yulissa wrote. “I want to clarify that this is my voice and my words. I don’t need anyone to speak for me. I’m choosing to speak for myself because I take full ownership of my actions. Do not listen to the fake statements. This is my official statement. This is me, speaking directly to you.”
She concluded, “To those who are disappointed or offended, I understand and I apologize. I am sorry.”
Find out why the season premiere of Love Island USA was delayed.
Source: justjared.com