AN axed Love Island star has slammed online death threats after being kicked off the show for racist slurs.
Yulissa Escobar, 27, was cut from the villa off-camera in just the second episode of the season, before any of her fellow Islanders had even woken up.
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She had been an original islander on season 7 of Love Island USA, which launched earlier this month.
Her exit came after old podcast clips emerged on Reddit, showing Yulissa using the N-word while talking about her ex-boyfriends.
The former islander has now fired back at online trolls, in an Instagram post titled “Accountable, Not Erased”.
She penned: “People swear cancel culture is about accountability… But now it’s just viral hate.”
Continuing, Yulissa explained how she had received death threats along with “messages saying I should kill myself”.
She added: “That video doesn’t define me. This isn’t “woke”. It’s abuse.”
Yulissa also reiterated her determination, telling followers “this is NOT where my story ends.”
She said: “One mistake does not define a human. And that moment? Was four years ago. I’ve clearly grown and I’m just getting started.”
One person commented: “All the playbook move to become the victim after owning it people truly cannot resist this move, hilarious and so predictable.”
Another remarked: “But why were you saying the n word in 2021? You’re grown enough.”
Others showed support towards Yulissa, as one shared: “Love you yuli. No one deserves this kind of hate, those who know you love you PERIOD.”
Another chimed in: “I felt every word of this. I can definitely relate!
“The way online hate can consume and distort reality is terrifying. Thank you for speaking out with so much honesty and courage.”
After the podcast clips resurfaced, furious fans flooded her Instagram, vowing to get her booted off Love Island.
Yulissa issued a lengthy apology, posting under the caption: “Owning my mistakes, speaking my truth.”
She wrote: “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.
“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. 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.
“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. 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.
“To those who are disappointed or offended, I understand and I apologize. I am sorry.”
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